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Now those affected speak out about what is really at stake with these limitations to benefits.
Benefits Limited
When the state of Florida dismantled the Reedy Creek Improvement District, they replaced it with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD for short). This new board now governs Disney World with five board members appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
There have been some growing pains with this new change, and the most surprising happened just days ago. The CFTOD alleged that Disney offered benefits to employees simply as a “scheme” to funnel taxpayer money back to its own company. You can read more about this HERE.
Firefighters Speak Out
Today, during a Central Florida Tourism Oversight District meeting, many members of Reedy Creek services spoke out against the removal of their benefits citing that this new change is a “low blow” to the district’s public servants.
What appears to be the problem is that these benefits were already agreed upon by current employees and were earned by retired employees.
One firefighter shared, “This benefit is intangible and generational. We have retirees, some of them here today, who work their entire careers and work and earn this benefit for the rest of their lives. This allows me to bring my children to the parks and eventually my grandchildren.”
He continues, “When the district changed hands last year, we were told that our jobs and benefits were safe.” This most recent change makes that promise void now.
Pete Simon, a Reedy Creek firefighter shares, One member shared “This week marks the first brick being pulled in the dismantling of the district. My only question is, what’s next?”
“This week marks the first brick being pulled in the dismantling of the district. My only question is, what’s next?”
Pete Simon
It seems that the “What’s next?” question is the one that many of these district members are concerned about. Changes are bound to occur, but these benefits were originally promised to remain. It is clear that these employees did not see this as a scheme by Disney but as a true employee benefit.
What do you think of this change in benefits? Do you think that the CFTOD should honor these agreed-upon benefits? How do you think these current and retired employees should be compensated? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with a fellow Disney pal.
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Nicholas Scapin
Tuesday 29th of August 2023
All de SATIN has to do is change the law in the legislature, just like he made it legal for the citizens of Florida to pay for his presidential campaign expenses. Snap 1,2,3 oh yes I forgot it doesn't benefit he or his cronies. Would the tens of millions he spent on shipping in and out migrants had paid for this in perpetuum?
Marko
Tuesday 29th of August 2023
So Bob, apparently thinks this was wrong? Does Bob work? Does she get a pension, does she plan on getting a pension? Well the CFTOD promised to maintain all that. Now your surprised people like Bob and her cronies are taking it all away? Welcome to the new Florida!
Joe
Friday 25th of August 2023
Disney turned a (literal) swamp into a destination that is revered around the world. DeSantis' weird hang-ups on gender and his obsessive fascination with drag queens has lead to this all out war that is costing Floridians dearly and squandering precious state resources on his personal vendetta. Florida is suffering under an insurance crisis — and the State is spending more time fighting the state's largest employer about "wokeness," (whatever that means). What is Disney supposed to do? Create KKK and Third Reich attractions to placate DeSantis and his cronies?
Bob Mays
Friday 25th of August 2023
Be grateful that you got an extraordinary benefit at the taxpayers expense for as long as you did. Thank you for your service!
Al
Friday 25th of August 2023
If Disney wanted to give these people a thank you or a perk why did they bill the taxing agency? Disney used Reedy Creek like it's own personal bank account filled with tax dollars from the tourism tax. We should all have the ability to use tax money anyway we want and change rules to suit our own desires. I feel the same about the gambling industry and the medical Marijuana. If you want it then everyone should have the same rights not just a connected few. All businesses should be able to use tax dollars as they please if one can. All people should be able to open casinos or dispensaries .