A tentative deal has been reached to raise wages to $18 an hour.
This week, following a debate between the Walt Disney Company and the representatives of the Service Trades Council Union coalition, a new agreement has been reached to raise the minimum wage of service workers at Walt Disney World Resort. Assuming the contract can be finalized and put into motion, around 45,000 employees could see their wages rise from $15 an hour to $18 an hour.
“Securing an $18 minimum hourly rate this year, increasing the overall economic value of Disney’s original offer, and ensuring full back pay for every worker are the priorities union members were determined to fight for,” said Matt Hollis, head of the coalition of unions. “Today, we won that fight.”
According to Disney, in addition to raises, the new deal will feature overhauls on company-provided health insurance and school tuition reimbursement. “Our cast members are central to Walt Disney World’s enduring magic, which is why we are pleased to have reached this tentative agreement,” Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, said in a statement.
This new deal is a major step for hospitality industry workers, as it will raise wages even higher than the $15 an hour that was previously achieved back in 2018, a first for the bustling Florida resort industry.
