When will the contract extension expire for Disney Employees?

[McKelly]

You don't have to believe it, but it has been studied and proven. People don't like feeling like they aren't valued. Employees who feel fairly compensated take pride in the work they do and feel loyalty to their company.

Agreed. A happy workforce is a good investment.

 

[Cfabar1]

I wonder how the benefits package compares for DIS vs. Universal employees… Wages are not everything….

Their benefits at Disney sound quite rich for unskilled labor, maybe that is why Disney feels comfortable paying a little bit less…

That said, I am supportive of people advocating for a decent wage and being able to take care of themselves and their families. I hope that Disney can pay their workers fairly and justly for their efforts. Disney succeeds BECAUSE of their cast members… that is the true “Disney difference” - the helpfulness, the pleasantness, and frankly the behaviors that are coached into the Disney team at every level - from food service to the executive ranks. The art of customer service has been lost by nearly every major consumer facing company - companies like American Express, Marriott, Delta Air Lines, and others renowned for service have forgotten that in my view… I hope Disney retains workers that help keep that extra bit of magic…

I’m willing to pay an extra few dollars for that experience… When workers aren’t panicked about how they will feed their family, they’ll do a better job in the office or at the park…

 

[Jim Libasci]

I wonder how the benefits package compares for DIS vs. Universal employees… Wages are not everything….

Their benefits at Disney sound quite rich for unskilled labor, maybe that is why Disney feels comfortable paying a little bit less…

That said, I am supportive of people advocating for a decent wage and being able to take care of themselves and their families. I hope that Disney can pay their workers fairly and justly for their efforts. Disney succeeds BECAUSE of their cast members… that is the true “Disney difference” - the helpfulness, the pleasantness, and frankly the behaviors that are coached into the Disney team at every level - from food service to the executive ranks. The art of customer service has been lost by nearly every major consumer facing company - companies like American Express, Marriott, Delta Air Lines, and others renowned for service have forgotten that in my view… I hope Disney retains workers that help keep that extra bit of magic…

I’m willing to pay an extra few dollars for that experience… When workers aren’t panicked about how they will feed their family, they’ll do a better job in the office or at the park…

Mostly just replying to the part where you called cms unskilled labor.

 

[Goofed98]

Mostly just replying to the part where you called cms unskilled labor.

By definition, isn't that the category most would fall into? Skilled labor typically being a trade or a specialist, unskilled labor being those with jobs that don't require a high degree of training or specialization?

Not trying to be snarky, just wondering if I'm missing an aspect of the discussion.

 

[rdaky]

By definition, isn't that the category most would fall into? Skilled labor typically being a trade or a specialist, unskilled labor being those with jobs that don't require a high degree of training or specialization?

Not trying to be snarky, just wondering if I'm missing an aspect of the discussion.

It's condescending, devaluing, and outdated. It might be still found in the dictionary or used by some in official places, but that doesn't mean that we can't learn and do better and not use terms that are condescending and inaccurate. All jobs have skill and training, even if it's not a trade or specialist or degree. While I don't like clumping any group of roles into one, even calling Disney frontline jobs low wage labor would sound less condescending than unskilled and would focus more on the low wage vs the skills or education of the person behind that low wage.

 

[Goofed98]

It's condescending, devaluing, and outdated. It might be still found in the dictionary or used by some in official places, but that doesn't mean that we can't learn and do better and not use terms that are condescending and inaccurate. All jobs have skill and training, even if it's not a trade or specialist or degree. While I don't like clumping any group of roles into one, even calling Disney frontline jobs low wage labor would sound less condescending than unskilled and would focus more on the low wage vs the skills or education of the person behind that low wage.

Fair enough. Not trying to be condescending, as cast members have helped make some of my Disney memories wonderful.

Is there a term that is more acceptable to apply that helps delineate why there is a wage discrepancy between someone like a welder or plumber, and someone that runs the rides, provides concierge service, etc.? Typically, that's where I would expect to see the "skilled" vs "unskilled" (I realize this is a bit of a derail, but the first time I've heard the issue with skilled/ unskilled, so I'm willing to learn to keep the discussion rolling)

 

[71 Truck]

Fair enough. Not trying to be condescending, as cast members have helped make some of my Disney memories wonderful.

Is there a term that is more acceptable to apply that helps delineate why there is a wage discrepancy between someone like a welder or plumber, and someone that runs the rides, provides concierge service, etc.? Typically, that's where I would expect to see the "skilled" vs "unskilled" (I realize this is a bit of a derail, but the first time I've heard the issue with skilled/ unskilled, so I'm willing to learn to keep the discussion rolling)

How about the term under skilled or not as skilled. Maybe that might be a little more acceptable, or a better way to describe people who have to come to a job that they have to be trained to do by the company.


When someone starts a job at Disney, no mater their age and with no experience doing that kind of job Disney will train you. That is why they call it unskilled labor.

I worked for Disney with a gentleman who was a retired lawyer. The job we had had nothing to do with being a lawyer. The job was clarified as unskilled labor. They trained him but did not pay him based on past job experience because he was not applying for a job as a lawyer. Had he applied for a job as a lawyer then that job would have been classified as a skilled job and they would have paid him more.

 

[Jim Libasci]

It's condescending, devaluing, and outdated. It might be still found in the dictionary or used by some in official places, but that doesn't mean that we can't learn and do better and not use terms that are condescending and inaccurate. All jobs have skill and training, even if it's not a trade or specialist or degree. While I don't like clumping any group of roles into one, even calling Disney frontline jobs low wage labor would sound less condescending than unskilled and would focus more on the low wage vs the skills or education of the person behind that low wage.

This, thanks for writing it down so well

 

[Jim Libasci]

Fair enough. Not trying to be condescending, as cast members have helped make some of my Disney memories wonderful.

Is there a term that is more acceptable to apply that helps delineate why there is a wage discrepancy between someone like a welder or plumber, and someone that runs the rides, provides concierge service, etc.? Typically, that's where I would expect to see the "skilled" vs "unskilled" (I realize this is a bit of a derail, but the first time I've heard the issue with skilled/ unskilled, so I'm willing to learn to keep the discussion rolling)

The cms have months of training and most have years of experience.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

The cms have months of training and most have years of experience.

Most positions only require a week of training. Sure, it takes CM’s at MK watercraft months or even a year to be fully trained, but that’s because they go weeks or months between trainings.

 

[FastPasser.]

As someone who has held four frontline positions over a 22 year period at WDW, the only position I could possibly consider as skilled was as a bus driver. The others just required one to two days of class room training and then a week or two of on the job training. I had a very skilled, high level, position for over 40 years and I don't have a problem with someone describing my Disney positions as unskilled. IMO they were. I chose to do them and everything that came with them.

 

[jade1]

Skill challenged.

 

[B1GxFOOT]

I was thinking about this the other day. Someone had mentioned that you can't afford to work at DW (or frankly most other "entry-level" jobs) and live on your own. You have to get roommates and share bills to get by. It was said as if it was a new phenomenon. I actually had the same issue when I was working my first few jobs after school, at $5.10/hr btw. The way I got by was....I got married. The generation(s) younger than me (I now feel old) place no value in marriage but essentially we were doing the same thing. The difference is that marriage comes with other benefits and drives different priorities that the current generation (in general) doesn't appreciate.

 

[Madteaparty001]

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/unskilled-labor.asp#:~:text=Unskilled%20laborers%20were%20once%20thought,on%20technical%20abilities%20or%20skills.

What Is Unskilled Labor?​

"Unskilled labor" is an outdated term, once used to describe a segment of the workforce associated with a limited skill set or minimal economic value for the work performed. The correct term is low-wage labor.


According to the Center for Global Development the term unskilled and skilled were derived from institutions, politicians, and other interest groups based on the classifications a determination has been made as to who is and is not powerful in the labor market. Also, the idea that the unskilled labor force is characterized by lower educational attainment such as a high school diploma, GED, or lack thereof which typically results in lower wages, is also outdated.1


Once characterized by lower educational attainment, such as a high school diploma, GED, or lack thereof, it was assumed unskilled laborers made less money. However, in the 21st century, there are jobs for high school graduates or those without a college degree.

KEY TAKEAWAYS​

• Unskilled labor is an antiquated term.
• Those in the workforce with limited skills aren't necessarily unskilled.
• It is possible to find a job with a GED or high school diploma.
• Some jobs call for a strict set of skills or degrees, but it is possible to find well-paying work without them.
• Unskilled laborers were once thought of as workers whose daily production tasks did not depend on technical abilities or skills.

Understanding Unskilled Labor​

Again, unskilled labor is an outdated term, but low-wage laborers provide a significant part of the overall labor market, performing daily production tasks that do not depend on technical abilities or skills. Menial or repetitive tasks are typical unskilled labor positions. Jobs that can be fully learned in less than 30 days often fall into the low-wage labor category. Low-wage labor jobs may be held by individuals with less education or experience than others. When this is the case, employers may take advantage of these workers, offering low to minimum wage as pay.


When the term is used to describe a person or employee completing the tasks, low-wage labor refers to the lack of education or experience the person may have. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 although many cities and states have a higher minimum wage for workers.2



Certain semiskilled jobs, such as administrative assistants, can require advanced skill sets that lead them to be categorized as skilled instead of semiskilled positions.

Related Terms​

All jobs from babysitter to biology professor require a skill set. However, some jobs and careers require higher education, special certifications, or a specified number of years of experience. Entry-level positions can be low-wage jobs with rising salaries, as more experience is gained. Some low-wage jobs only pay federal minimum wage, which does not often increase on the job, despite the use of skills and experience of the low-wage worker. Rising skills and pay may depend on the employer and the position.


Jobs that call for semi-skilled or mid-skilled workers, typically require a level of education or knowledge in a particular field, or experience and training in order to complete the job's tasks successfully.


Skilled labor may refer to persons or positions requiring a very specialized skill set or advanced degree in order to complete some of the assigned tasks.

What Is Minimum Wage?​

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.3

What Does Skilled Labor Mean?​

All jobs take some sort of skill to hold them but skilled labor usually refers to positions which needs a very specific skill set to a obtain such as computer coding or plumbing skills, or a teaching certificate.

How Many States Have Higher Minimum Wages?​

There are 30 states plus Washington D.C., that offer workers a wage above the federal minimum wage.4

The Bottom Line​

The term "low-skilled" worker is an antiquated term, not reflective of the present day. Low-wage workers are not low-skilled workers. Low-wage workers may have plenty of skills, but often the low-wage jobs do not provide a liveable wage.

 

[OKW Lover]

Now that we have that down, I wonder if anybody has any info about the negotiations.

 

[dioxide45]

Now that we have that down, I wonder if anybody has any info about the negotiations.

Do we expect the parks to close if a strike happens? Wouldn't they bring in scabs (a term used to indicate someone crossing the picket line to work) or have non union management fill in?

 

[RivShore]

Do we expect the parks to close if a strike happens? Wouldn't they bring in scabs (a term used to indicate someone crossing the picket line to work) or have non union management fill in?

Do we even know what percentage of workers are union? With all the international and CP and part time retirees, the percentage might be on the low side. They would probably cover with management and bringing all the part-timers/CP's in full time. Maybe ask for volunteers from the CA parks and offices too. No way they close the place.

 

[RivShore]

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/u/unskilled-labor.asp#:~:text=Unskilled%20laborers%20were%20once%20thought,on%20technical%20abilities%20or%20skills.

What Is Unskilled Labor?​

"Unskilled labor" is an outdated term, once used to describe a segment of the workforce associated with a limited skill set or minimal economic value for the work performed. The correct term is low-wage labor.


According to the Center for Global Development the term unskilled and skilled were derived from institutions, politicians, and other interest groups based on the classifications a determination has been made as to who is and is not powerful in the labor market. Also, the idea that the unskilled labor force is characterized by lower educational attainment such as a high school diploma, GED, or lack thereof which typically results in lower wages, is also outdated.1


Once characterized by lower educational attainment, such as a high school diploma, GED, or lack thereof, it was assumed unskilled laborers made less money. However, in the 21st century, there are jobs for high school graduates or those without a college degree.

KEY TAKEAWAYS​

• Unskilled labor is an antiquated term.
• Those in the workforce with limited skills aren't necessarily unskilled.
• It is possible to find a job with a GED or high school diploma.
• Some jobs call for a strict set of skills or degrees, but it is possible to find well-paying work without them.
• Unskilled laborers were once thought of as workers whose daily production tasks did not depend on technical abilities or skills.

Understanding Unskilled Labor​

Again, unskilled labor is an outdated term, but low-wage laborers provide a significant part of the overall labor market, performing daily production tasks that do not depend on technical abilities or skills. Menial or repetitive tasks are typical unskilled labor positions. Jobs that can be fully learned in less than 30 days often fall into the low-wage labor category. Low-wage labor jobs may be held by individuals with less education or experience than others. When this is the case, employers may take advantage of these workers, offering low to minimum wage as pay.


When the term is used to describe a person or employee completing the tasks, low-wage labor refers to the lack of education or experience the person may have. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 although many cities and states have a higher minimum wage for workers.2



Certain semiskilled jobs, such as administrative assistants, can require advanced skill sets that lead them to be categorized as skilled instead of semiskilled positions.

Related Terms​

All jobs from babysitter to biology professor require a skill set. However, some jobs and careers require higher education, special certifications, or a specified number of years of experience. Entry-level positions can be low-wage jobs with rising salaries, as more experience is gained. Some low-wage jobs only pay federal minimum wage, which does not often increase on the job, despite the use of skills and experience of the low-wage worker. Rising skills and pay may depend on the employer and the position.


Jobs that call for semi-skilled or mid-skilled workers, typically require a level of education or knowledge in a particular field, or experience and training in order to complete the job's tasks successfully.


Skilled labor may refer to persons or positions requiring a very specialized skill set or advanced degree in order to complete some of the assigned tasks.

What Is Minimum Wage?​

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.3

What Does Skilled Labor Mean?​

All jobs take some sort of skill to hold them but skilled labor usually refers to positions which needs a very specific skill set to a obtain such as computer coding or plumbing skills, or a teaching certificate.

How Many States Have Higher Minimum Wages?​

There are 30 states plus Washington D.C., that offer workers a wage above the federal minimum wage.4

The Bottom Line​

The term "low-skilled" worker is an antiquated term, not reflective of the present day. Low-wage workers are not low-skilled workers. Low-wage workers may have plenty of skills, but often the low-wage jobs do not provide a liveable wage.

So I skimmed that whole thing and I still don't understand what the "new" preferred term for the "antiquated" unskilled worker is. Is it low-wage? Isn't that still a bit demeaning and also disclosing your salary to everyone?

 

[dioxide45]

So for all of you arguing that 'unskilled' workers do not deserve to be paid a living wage you are arguing that the majority of the workforce does not deserve to be able to afford a safe home, medical coverage, and food on their table.

I think the issue is that over the past 30+ years, many of these 'unskilled' jobs moved away from being performed by high schoolers and college going students trying to get job and life experience. They are now being done more and more by older people out of high school and college trying to earn a living. So these jobs long ago were never intended to pay a "living wage", whatever that actually means. Working at McDonalds isn't meant to be a career unless you have management asperations. Slowly the young workforce has been pushed out, perhaps by older employees or even by employers. It is easier to manage a schedule when you can have an older adult where you don't have as many external schedules of the employee to work around. These older workers were probably also more reliable. However, when they can't get my order right and I get home with fewer things in my drive through bag than I paid for, I always wonder in my head why they deserve $15 an hour. This actually happens more times than not.

 

[71 Truck]

If you go to Disney's Career web site you will see all kinds of jobs. All jobs have a basic minimum requirement to be able apply for those jobs. Things like have a drivers license, pass a background check, be able to work in the United States and so on.
If you look at some of those jobs they do post starting hourly pay that is higher than the minimum Disney starts new cast members at.
Most if not all those jobs do require some sort of minimum outside from Disney training or a certain job skill to apply.

The jobs that start at the minimum pay, require for the most part no training or special skill to apply for and Disney will train you to do that job.

People can go back and forth all day long about skilled, unskilled,low skilled,semi skilled,low waged and so on. In the end it does not matter.

Disney and the union have come up with a contract in the past defining what each job will pay depending on the skill level needed to do/apply for that that job. The more skills you bring to the table the more you might make.

Disney and the unions are in a fight. The unions want $18.00 an hour and Disney wants to pay $16.00 an hour.
The unions will give in some and Disney will give in some to come up with a starting pay neither side will be happy with just like they did on past contract negotiations.

A friend once told me "you know you got the best deal when both sides go home unhappy".