Local News in Brief : Anaheim : Unionist Says Talks With Disney at Impasse

The union that represents clerks and housekeepers at Disneyland Hotel says negotiations with management are at an impasse after two months of talks.

Two major issues separate the parties, said Tom Ramsey, spokesman for Local 399 of the Service Employees International Union: a pay raise and a rumor that the hotel plans to move its reservations operation from Anaheim to Florida.

A Disneyland spokesman declined to comment on any specifics of the talks while negotiations are under way.

The union, which has been working without a new contract since Sept. 1, says 100 jobs would be lost if the reservations desk is moved. “We’ve asked the company for assurances that that won’t happen, but so far they’ve had no comment,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey says the union represents about 250 workers. Disney says only 125 workers are represented by the union.

The union is seeking a 7% raise but Disney is offering a cash bonus instead, Ramsey said. He would not disclose the amount.

About 25 unionists picketed the annual Disneyland Corp. shareholder’s meeting in Burbank on Tuesday, Ramsey said.