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A Dollar is Not Enough: TCU/IAM, Disney Union Coalition Recommends Contract Rejection

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January 31, 2023

A Dollar is Not Enough: TCU/IAM, Disney Union Coalition Recommends Contract Rejection

Representatives of the Service Trades Council Union (STCU) came together at a press conference in Orlando to send a clear message to recommend members vote no on Disney’s latest contract proposal. Disney is proposing raises of $1 a year for most workers, but the main message from the press conference was that $1 is not enough to pay for the cost-of-living crisis workers face in central Florida.

“We came to @Disney to provide magical experiences every day and every night. My bills have gone up like everyone else. We need to stand together as cast members and vote NO!”- @TCUnionHQ member Nicole Bailey #DisneyWorkersNeedaRaise pic.twitter.com/eCj1SR8I9g

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 27, 2023

A “no” vote will show that Disney workers do not accept a $1 raise and want to keep pushing for higher raises for everyone. UNITE HERE issued a report showing the consequences of low tourism on workers’ wages; evidence makes a case for an immediate $18 wage standard. Rent and other expenses have skyrocketed, leaving workers in an emergency.

Disney thinks a $1 raise is sufficient. Our members deserve more! We held a press conference today to explain why workers are voting to reject Disney’s offer. #DisneyWorkersNeedaRaise pic.twitter.com/dVRZm66LkX

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 27, 2023

This latest proposal from Disney leaves behind a clear majority of the workforce and would offer only a $1 raise to over 30,000 cast members.

WATCH: Fighting for Fairness at Disney in Florida

“The unions have been clear from our very first bargaining session that a dollar in the first year is not enough,” said Matt Hollis, TCU/IAM National Vice President and president of the Service Trades Council Union, in an interview with CNN, the collection of six union locals that are negotiating with Disney management. “A dollar does not afford Disney workers the ability to keep up with the skyrocketing rent increases. And a dollar does not afford Disney workers with the ability to continue to purchase basic necessities, such as food, gas, and utilities.”

The six affiliate unions representing workers in the Service Trades Council Union (STCU) are IATSE Local 631; Teamsters Local 385, TCU/IAM Local 1908; UFCW Local 1625; UNITE HERE! Local 362; and UNITE HERE Local 737.

Shame on @Disney for calling itself the "happiest place on Earth" while nearly half its workers report skipping meals & worry about being homeless.

Solidarity with @TCUnionHQ @UNITEHERE362 @UniteHere737 @unitehere @IATSE @Teamsters & @UFCW in their fight for a fair contract!

— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 27, 2023

A “no” vote will show that Disney workers do not accept a $1 raise and want to keep pushing for higher raises for everyone. This report shows the consequences of low tourism on workers’ wages; evidence makes a case for an immediate $18 wage standard.

Members of the Service Trades Council Union will vote to accept or reject Disney’s latest contract proposal during the vote on Thursday, February 2, and Friday, February 3.

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