Disney World Union Pushes Back Against Parent Company

As Disney's domestic theme parks get closer to opening, The Hollywood Reporter says the company is being accused of retaliating against a union of 750 Disney World performers demanding workers be tested for COVID-19 upon a rolling series of resort re-openings. Disney World is currently scheduled to partially re-open July 11, followed by Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios on July 15.

However, Disney's reported response to the call for testing has been to "rescind all of its recall notices for Equity members," opting to reopen parks without those performers in the union.

A statement issued by the union reads: "Since our public request that Disney test performers in the park, there have been more than 114,000 new coronavirus cases in Florida. Rather than agree to testing of performers, Disney has decided to retaliate against workers fighting for a safe workplace."

Disney, in a statement of its own, responded: "Seven unions signed agreements to have their employees return to work... the Actors' Equity rejected our safety protocols and have not made themselves available to continue negotiations, which is unfortunate. We are exercising our right to open without Equity performers."

Disneyland, originally scheduled to re-open on July 17, has canceled those plans pending approval from California.

If you're gearing up to visit a theme park in the near future, our piece on what to expect is worth a read.