A coalition of unions representing 17,000 Disneyland cast members have sent a letter demanding that California Gov. Gavin Newsom stop Disney’s Anaheim theme parks from reopening on July 17 out of concern for employee safety.
The Coalition of Resort Labor Unions wants Disney to delay reopening the theme parks, hotels and shopping mall at the Disneyland resort until it can be done safely in a way that protects the health and safety of cast members, Disney-speak for employees.
According to the letter from the Coalition of Resort Labor Unions, Disney wants clearance from the government to reopen the Disneyland Resort in July. A Union rep said, “Unfortunately, despite intensive talks with the company, we are not yet convinced that it is safe to reopen the parks on Disney’s rapid timetable.”
Disney responded by saying, “The safety and wellbeing of our cast members and guests are at the forefront of our planning, and we look forward to continued dialogue with our unions on the extensive health and safety protocols, following guidance from public health experts, which we plan to implement as we move toward our proposed, phased reopening.”
A letter was posted to the Union’s Facebook saying, “We are not yet satisfied that it is safe to reopen the resort. There are numerous questions about safety which Disney has not yet answered.”
Disneyland plans to take a multi-pronged approach to reopening following a four-month coronavirus closure with a new set of COVID-19 health and safety protocols designed to make it safer to visit Disney’s Anaheim theme parks.
The new Disneyland COVID-19 health and safety protocols for visitors include:
- Reduced capacity in the parks
- Required face coverings for visitors 2 years old and older
- Temperature checks for visitors before entering the parks
- Physical distancing throughout the parks
- Increased cleaning and disinfecting, especially in high-traffic areas
- Additional handwashing and hand sanitizer locations
- Contactless payments at shops and restaurants
Health and safety guidelines for Disney employees will include:
- Required face coverings and temperature checks
- Adjusting work practices to promote physical distancing
- Increased cleaning in work areas
- Encouraging workers to stay home when ill
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