Disney World Reaches Union Deal Requiring COVID Vaccines: Union

ORLANDO, FL — Most Walt Disney World employees will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine after the Orlando theme park and the Services Trades Council Union reached an agreement Monday.

Local 362 — an affiliate of Unite Here representing attractions, custodial, vacation planning and auto plaza employees at Disney World — shared news of the deal on social media. The Local 362 also falls under the umbrella of the Services Trades Council Union, the union for 38,000 Disney workers in various areas, according to the STCU website.

All STCU-represented employees must show proof of vaccination by Oct. 22. There will be some exemptions for workers with medical conditions or religious beliefs.

“Employees with medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs will be eligible to apply for an accommodation through a negotiated process,” Local 362 said. “This process ensures prompt processing of requests for accommodation, weekly meetings between the union and company to address concerns as they arise, an explanation if any accommodation is denied, and access to the grievance procedure should there be a dispute on the accommodation request.”

Disney workers who don’t comply with the vaccine requirement and don’t request accommodation will be let go from the company but will be eligible for rehire in the future.

The theme park will host on-site vaccination events for its employees over the next several weeks.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way for workers to protect themselves from this deadly virus,” Local 362 said.

The entire memorandum of understanding regarding the vaccination agreement can be read here.