Disney World's Union Busting Over Allowing Performers to Wear Masks
Disney has claimed exemption from Orange County, Florida's mask mandate, citing aesthetic reasons for show performers
At Disney World in Orlando, Florida, around 750 actors represented by the Actors’ Equity Association are being kept on furlough by Disney over a disagreement with the union in regards to safety protections. The actors had their recalls to return to work rescinded by Disney on June 26 after the union was pushing to permit actors to wear masks during performances or be provided coronavirus testing.
“It was highly disappointing to us that they so swiftly chose to use the rescinding option in retaliation for us asking for the safest possible working conditions,” said a Disney actor who requested to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. “There were a number of other options they could have used, including recalling us and continuing to negotiate.”
The worker added Disney can recall the workers at anytime, with or without an agreement with the union in place, and other theme parks, such as Universal Studios, allows performers to wear masks during shows.
According to the worker, Disney is refusing to allow actors to perform in masks, citing an exemption from county mask mandates for aesthetic reasons. The actors have been furloughed since April, with no certainty on when they will be allowed to return to their jobs as Disney World opened all its parks on July 15. In the meantime, Disney has revised shows to use different employees.
The union has filed a grievance with Disney alleging retaliation.