Disney World Unions Seek Mediator’s Help

Union officials representing 40% of Walt Disney World’s 52,000-person workforce asked a federal mediator to help them reach a contract with the company after a third proposal was rejected by members, who also authorized a strike, if necessary.

The mediator planned to meet Monday in Orlando with Disney executives and leaders of the unions. The unions’ members Thursday rejected the contract proposal by a vote of 3,686 to 2,827. Opponents said the wage increases weren’t enough to offset hikes in health insurance costs.