Disney union approves contract that raises workers’ minimum pay

Aug. 02--Members of Walt Disney World's largest union group voted Friday to approve a contract that will raise minimum pay for its full-time workers to $10 an hour by 2016.

Sixty-seven percent of the roughly 7,000 employees who voted approved the contract, said Ed Chambers, president of the Service Trades Council, a coalition of six unions. There are more than 23,000 full-timers covered under the contract. The workers covered include janitors, housekeepers and bus drivers.

Hourly pay will rise from $8.03 to $9 an hour this year. It will then go to $9.50 the following year.

The 5 1/2 year agreement keeps in place the company's pension plan for new hires. The contract also would freeze weekly health insurance costs for employees in 2015. Costs could go up from there, but the contract would provide a cap.

Higher-paid employees had been unhappy that the new contract would no longer provide for percentage increases. Workers who are above minimum rates will receive increases of 50 cents per hour annually for three years.

"Obviously the 33 percent that voted no were the higher-skilled jobs, and we understand that," Chambers said. "But I think as a whole the mission of the council was to raise the people at the bottom."

Disney will start negotiating a separate contract for part timers later this month.

"I am proud we will be able to continue to provide our Cast an industry-leading employment package that reflects the important role they play in our guests' most special memories," said George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, in a written statement. "Having started my career here as an hourly Cast Member, I know how crucial all roles are to the success of our resort."

Sandra Pedicini

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