In a ‘choose your own villain adventure’ the dispute between Disneyland and the unionized hotel and restaurant works of UNITE HERE has now stumbled into dangerous territory where the health of guests is at risk. It’s not that they’re operating dangerous equipment or attractions, but without any paid sick days cast members are coming into work sick, sometimes with flu like symptoms, and interacting with food and guests.
There appears to be no easy solution to this matter as neither side has budged in the negotiations in 2 years and 92% of the union members voting to reject Disney’s latest offer. One of the big reasons for that rejection is Disney’s new health plan that could cost these employees 4 to 5 times as much as they’re currently paying. Still, almost every other union Disney negotiates with has entered into that new health contract. So you can see where Disney thinks they got things right.
Having employees who interact with the public forced to come into work sick is not good PR anyway you look at it. Nor is it good national health policy. In fact, there is a bill in congress to mandate paid sick days for workers right now.
More at the OC Register.
I don’t work in foods, but I am a DLR Cast Member (attractions) and I think if people are going to use this argument, we should germ check our guests when they come into the park. I’ve seen snotty-nosed sicky children LICKING items in my attraction. And then I HAVE to touch these things because it’s my job. And I can’t leave to get disinfectant because I’m in a safety position. Grown adults have coughed and sneezed in my face and acted as if that’s perfectly fine. I used to never get sick…and now I work at Disneyland, and I’m sick all the time. Guests get me sick, and I’m supposed to call in and get points on my record, and get a smaller paycheck. And eventually those points will get me fired.
Again, foods is a different case, but they do have to wash their hands about every two seconds and they all wear disposable gloves that are easily replaced. And if these CMs don’t want to pay the price for their health then they should just suck it up like the rest of us.
Guests should be concerned about their health regardless, coming to a park where thousands upon thousands of people are mingling. It’s just common sense.
It’s a catch-22 situation but the Union must to realize on some level that Disney HAS to outlast them on this. If they show weakness here then the other Unions at Disneyland and WDW will smell blood in the water. And it will be the first blood they’ve ever smelled!
The Union may be able to wait for the Healthcare Reform bill to pass, but that bill will most likely require the Union members to purchase insurance. I’m just not seeing a path to victory here for them, and I’m in the UFCW here at WDW.
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