Employees of five Disney Springs restaurants owned and operated by Patina Restaurant Group announced plans to unionize Monday morning.

Disney Springs Restaurant Employees Unionizing

This is the first campaign by subcontracted Disney Springs restaurant employees to create a union.

Delaware North owns Patina Restaurant Group. The group operates Morimoto Asia, The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte.

While some Walt Disney World restaurants are owned and operated by Disney, many are operated by third-party companies. Employees of these subcontracted restaurants do not have the same union contract protections and job standards as Cast Members employed directly by Disney.

At a press conference with UNITE HERE Local 737, the employees announced their intent to unionize due to their “second-class working conditions” at the Disney Springs restaurants. They said 90% of positions are considered part-time, even though Delaware North requires full availability and employees are often made to work five days a week.

They spoke about not receiving a living wage or being able to afford basic needs. The workers do not receive healthcare or paid time off. Two female employees mentioned supervisors harassing them with inappropriate comments, making them and other female employees feel unsafe.

Local 737 has filed two unfair labor charges against Delaware North with the National Labor Relations Board.

Representative Anna Eskamani also spoke about Florida’s high cost of living and low pay. She and other local leaders expressed their support of the union.

Local 737 also represents Walt Disney World food and beverage Cast Members.

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