Third-party Walt Disney World Resort workers are continuing their push for fair pay and better working conditions, and the pressure is mounting. As part of an ongoing campaign for better compensation and health coverage, workers from various Disney Springs restaurants have gone public with their demands. Workers are now calling for a 39% raise and access to healthcare benefits—a significant increase to support the hardworking third-party employees who are part of the Disney magic every day.
As of late February 2025, Disney Springs restaurant employees are still handing out fliers and wearing buttons to raise awareness about their efforts. These workers, employed by the third-party Patina Restaurant Group, are fighting for better wages and working conditions, something they believe is long overdue. Disney Dining reported on these efforts last year when Patina Restaurant Group workers began organizing under the union Unite Here Local 737.
The Fight for Fair Pay and Working Conditions at Disney Springs
A Disney Dining reader recently submitted this photo of a flier they were given by workers at Disney Springs. The continued union effort is fueled by the desire to see better wages, healthcare, and other benefits that Disney cast members receive but third-party workers lack. Currently, the situation is not equal, and workers hope to change that.
Many employees are speaking out about how difficult it is to support their families on the current wages. Sabrina Redditt, a cook at Morimoto Asia, shared her personal story on the flier: “I make just $18 an hour and can’t afford health insurance. My kids are on Medicaid, and I have a tooth cavity I can’t fix. If I worked for Disney, I’d make at least $25.10.”
“When I asked for a raise, they said no but offered a 6-day workweek instead,” she said. “I have two kids – when am I supposed to see them? I shouldn’t have to choose between surviving and seeing my family.”
In addition to the $7+ hourly raise Redditt mentioned, healthcare benefits are also a key part of the workers’ fight. Unlike the benefits that full-time Disney employees receive, many workers don’t have health insurance through their employers. In fact, nearly half of the surveyed workers at third-party restaurants and merchandise locations at Disney Springs reported they don’t have health insurance, which has been a major issue for those who can’t afford private coverage.
The Role of Unionization Efforts at Disney Springs
The workers’ push for better pay and conditions has garnered support from several influential figures, including State Representative Anna Eskamani, who has publicly endorsed the unionization efforts. Eskamani emphasized the unequal treatment of third-party Disney Springs workers compared to their unionized Disney counterparts. A survey of 69 third-party workers across 18 locations revealed that 59% of these employees are part-time, compared to only 31% of unionized Disney cast members.
Moreover, 46% of these workers do not have access to health insurance, while Disney cast members are eligible for health benefits. Paid sick time and vacation days are also scarce, with only 28% of these workers receiving these benefits, far below the benefits enjoyed by Disney union members.
Jeremy Haicken, president of Unite Here Local 737, called for the end of what he sees as “second-class” treatment for third-party workers at Disney Springs.
“It’s absolutely unacceptable that there is a second class of workers doing the same work, right on the same property,” Haicken said.
How Can Disney World Guests Help?
For those visiting Walt Disney World Resort, there are ways to show support for these workers in their fight for better pay and healthcare. By showing solidarity with those handing out fliers or wearing buttons and spreading the word on social media, guests can help raise awareness about the workers’ demands. As the fight for fair wages continues, guests’ awareness and involvement could help move the needle for those pushing for better pay and conditions.
Patina Restaurant Group owns The Edison, Morimoto Asia, Maria and Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte at Disney Springs.
Do you support Unite Here Local 737’s efforts for better benefits for Patina Restaurant Group employees? Share your opinion with us in the comments.
