Union members today that work at Walt Disney World Resort accepted a deal that was negotiated by union leaders and Disney.
According to the Service Trades Council Union, all current theme park workers will receive a raise between $5.50 and $8.60 per hour by the end of the contract, with the first $3 in raises arriving this year. The deal for STCU Union members will see members going from a $15 per hour rate to an $18 per hour rate before the end of the year. The vote included six unions which all accepted the deal. UNITE HERE Local 737 shared that 12,500 Cast Members voted and accepted the deal with 97% of the vote.
The agreement will net a minimum wage of $18 per hour for union workers this year. It will also increase the minimum wage for current employees to $20.50 by October 2026. Workers hired after December 3, 2023 will see their minimum wage increase to $20 per hour by October 2026, union leaders say.
According to union leaders, the following roles would receive wages increased and also retroactive raises to October 2022:
- Union Housekeepers: increase from $17 to $20 immediately, ending at $24 in October 2026
- Union Dishwashers: increase from $15 to $18 immediately, ending at $22 in October 2026
- Cook 2 (Union Prep Cook): increase from $16.40 to $20 immediately, ending at $24 in October 2026
- Cook 1 (Union Line Cook): increase from $19 to $23.10 immediately, ending at $27.10 in October 2026
- Union Chef Assistant: increase from $20 to $24.60 immediately, ending at $28.60 in October 2026
- Union Bus Drivers: increase from $18 to $20.50 immediately, ending at $24.50 in October 2026
The Service Trades Council Union represents around 45,000 cast members at Walt Disney World Resort. It has been negotiating with Walt Disney World for many months with a previous deal being rejected by union members. This deal will need to be ratified by union members for it to move forward as well.
