Disney combines theme park functions in prelude to job cuts

[hobie16]

Just heard a quick, interesting question: What's going on with the Chief Magic Officer?

Poof!!

[Disneyguy85]

Poof!!

Well apparently, the CMO will still be getting to do his rounds until April.

Earlier today I took a peek at his lasted update.

[Zazu]

I'm wondering: do part time cast members have the opportunity to join the unions? Reason I'm asking is because my transfer to part time from my Professional Internship was accepted. I'll be working in Quick Service at Pop Century and I'm wondering if I can join the union. If it means protecting my job, I'll do it.

Yes, part-time cast at WDW are now eligible for Union membership in any role where full-time cast are. See your local shop steward for the procedure required for your transfer. Your dues may be reduced as a result of your change in status. (Or they may go up if you're changing STCU unions to one with higher dues.)

If you have trouble reaching a steward before you start, know that on your first day at your new location you should be granted 5 minutes alone with your local steward. If it's not offered, ask for it.

Can't be more specific as I'm a steward in a different union -- go ask the experts.

[Big Wallaby]

know that on your first day at your new location you should be granted 5 minutes alone with your local steward. If it's not offered, ask for it.

Hmm, didn't know that.

Actually, I wouldn't have wanted it in buses. The bus union soured my view of the unions for a very, very long time. While I don't care to use the union at times I don't have to, it's nice to know that if I have a SCM moment I get a mulligan. It's too bad that those having a SCM life do, too. Oh, well. I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles.

[Driver_dylan]

Zazu is correct. Each of the unions in STCU has minor differences in how you go about Joining up so you have to go to your unions shop steward. Other than that I suggest that you pay extra attention to the little things like attendence. I can tell you that the management is watching the matrix very carefully that I have seen in Merch.

[glendalais]

If you're in Food & Beverage, you're covered under Unite HERE Local 737 (F&B & Housekeeping), which is distinct from Unite HERE Local 362 (Attractions, Custodial, Parking, Vacation Planners, Main Entrance). If you don't have the chance to talk to a shop steward, you can contact them at the following address (taken from Unite HERE's website):

1271 LaQuinta Drive, #12
Orlando
(407) 857-0737

Just a little inset note here, as Florida is a "right-to-work" state you are under no legal obligation to join the Union. They still have to be there if you ask for a shop steward; and you're still working under the STCU Agreement, which means the company has to respect your seniority when it comes to layoffs.

Union membership basically allows you to vote on the contract, as well as participate in the operation and management of the union if you so choose.

That being said, I don't know about WDW, but if they're anything like their counterparts here, they aren't that bad. For all the drama that goes on with some of them (Unite HERE Locals 50 (Park F&B) and 11 (Hotel Ops.), anyone?), they do their base jobs - insuring we have a collective voice with management and holding Mickey's feet to the fire when need be - very well.

[Big Wallaby]

I haven't had a problem with the unions since getting out of buses.

In buses, I had one steward tell me I was an idiot for the fact that I liked to spiel and give good guest service at all times. His idea was that we are to sit there and drive, and only say hello if they deserve it.

It was so nice when I got to Safari and Monorails to find out that the shop stewards weren't/aren't ass****s (unless they REALLY need to be).

[glendalais]

I haven't had a problem with the unions since getting out of buses.

In buses, I had one steward tell me I was an idiot for the fact that I liked to spiel and give good guest service at all times. His idea was that we are to sit there and drive, and only say hello if they deserve it.

It was so nice when I got to Safari and Monorails to find out that the shop stewards weren't/aren't ass****s (unless they REALLY need to be).

Wow. Someone hasn't heard of Union Solidarity and Fraternity .

I would've raised the issue with the Union Leadership. Shop Stewards certainly shouldn't be going around calling their co-workers idiots. Isn't WDW Transportation covered by Teamsters? I've never had a problem with the IBT structure (they cover DLR Attractions) - if I can't raise an issue with my Shop Steward, it's always been easy for me to go up the chain of command.

[Shorty82]

I have no serious issues with the unions themselves, just some of the shop stewards.

The shop stewards in my area (one in particular) use their seniority and status as shop stewards to get away with doing nothing all day. That bugs the hell out of me, we're paid to WORK, not stand around and do the bare minimum.

And while the unions here have to represent everybody my understanding is that they don't fight quite has hard for the nonmembers.

My biggest issue with my union is that a good while back I arranged to meet with the union representative to get information on the union (to find out what my dues actually pay for and the like) and she no-showed. I also wound up having to get a copy of the contract from a person in another union as neither of my shop stewards could get me one after 2 weeks or so.