Disney Bus Driver Union Contract: A Look into the Agreement

As a major attraction in the entertainment industry, Walt Disney World Resort employs thousands of individuals, including bus drivers who transport guests daily from the resort hotels to the parks. These drivers are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), which negotiated a new contract with Disney in August 2021.

Let`s dive into some of the key details of the contract:

Wages and Benefits

Under the new contract, Disney bus drivers will receive a wage increase of 3% annually over the next three years, starting from October 2021. Moreover, there will be a one-time bonus of $1,000 for all full-time drivers hired before June 1, 2021, and $500 for part-time employees with at least 1,000 hours worked. This is a significant improvement compared to the previous contract that had a wage freeze for 11 years.

In terms of benefits, the new contract includes a few changes. Employees can now accrue sick leave based on hours worked, and there`s now a flexible spending account for eligible expenses. Health insurance premiums will remain stable with no increase for the duration of the contract, and there`s a new provision for bereavement leave.

Union Representation

The Disney bus driver union contract ensures that the ATU will continue to represent the employees and negotiate on their behalf. The agreement also guarantees that Disney will maintain a neutral stance in union organizing activities and not interfere with workers` rights to join or form a union.

Working Conditions

The contract outlines several improvements to working conditions for bus drivers. There will be a reduction in the mandatory split shifts from two per week to one per week, and drivers will be paid for a full shift rather than a split shift. Disney will also provide a secure parking lot for drivers to park their personal vehicles while on duty.

Furthermore, the new contract includes language to address driver fatigue. Drivers will have at least 10 hours off-duty between workdays, and there will be a maximum of 12 hours of driving per day. Drivers will also be allowed to take breaks during their shifts, which was not previously guaranteed.

Conclusion

Overall, the new Disney bus driver union contract is a significant improvement for the employees. It ensures fair wages, benefits, and working conditions, and guarantees union representation and protection. It`s a positive development in the Disney workplace and highlights the importance of listening to workers` needs and addressing their concerns.