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We have just learned of a new agreement made with Cast Member Unions that will be crucial in preparing for a quick reopen of Disneyland as soon as they get the all-clear from the state.
It has been 7 months since Disneyland closed its gates to the world due to the global pandemic. While Walt Disney World has been fortunate to reopen, Disneyland is still waiting for the green light to bring guests back.
Union Agreements
According to the Orange County Register, Disneyland has reached Return to Work Agreements with 11 Employee Unions that represent a large majority of Disney Cast Members.
Part of the agreements include Covid-19 health and safety measures, so that cast members will be able to return as quickly and safely as possible as soon as they are cleared to reopen.
Among the 11 Unions are: Workers United Local 50 (the resort’s second largest Cast Member Union representing many of the parks food and beverage Cast Members), Master Services Council, Independent Employee Services Association, Craft Maintenance Council and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
Reopening Disneyland Resort
It has been a long process to reopen the California theme parks. After many delays due to case spikes, we reported that discussions were being held to create guidelines to safely open the theme parks.
Later, California theme parks released a statement urging the State Government to not put forth any guidelines without engaging the theme park industry in a more earnest manner.
Then, after many disagreements and frustrations with the reopening process, and following a massive 28,000 cast member layoff, Disney CEO, Bob Iger, left the California task force.
We can understand the frustration for cast members and Disney fans, who just want to return to their “happy place”, but also realize the need to have a good reopening plan in place for the health and safety of all guests and employees.
We hope that recent news of undercover health officials visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks will bring us one step closer to a Disneyland reopening date.
In a statement from an October 13th news conference, California Health and Human Services Secretary, Mark Ghaly, said:
I know a number of people are continuing to wonder when that guidance is coming out and I like to say, ‘It will come out when we’re ready’, and;
We’re working closely with our industry partners making sure that we take all feedback, use our own information from visits to operating parks in other states and then some visits here in parts of California to understand how those plans will come together.
Hopefully with the newly signed union agreements, a Disneyland reopening will be able to happen very quickly, once the state gives the go-ahead to open.
Health and Safety Agreements
Just as the Walt Disney World Cast Members have been offered free Covid-19 testing, Disneyland has set in place:
New health and safety measures for working Disneyland cast members include free COVID-19 testing for employees who believe they are symptomatic or may have been in close contact at work with someone infected with the virus.
We can’t wait for that great day when the gates of Disneyland will reopen to it’s loyal fans. Hopefully that day will be coming ‘Just Around the Riverbend’!
What do you think of these new Union agreements? Are you anxiously awaiting the reopening of the Disneyland Resort? Let us know your thoughts on Facebook!
-Christina
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