Following weeks of negotiations, the Services Trades Council Union has reached an agreement with Disney that all Cast Members covered by the union will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine by October 22, 2021, with some exceptions. Here’s the announcement, via Greg Angel:
Employees with medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs will be eligible to apply for an accommodation through a negotiated process. 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 will make every effort to reasonably accommodate employees with a medical or religious accommodation need in their current role or classification. Cast Members who do not comply with the vaccine requirement and do not request a legitimate accommodation, will be separated from the Company with a “yes” rehire status.
In addition to vaccines being readily available, Disney will be hosting on-site vaccine events over the next several weeks. Cast interested in getting vaccinated at work should go on the HUB for more information. Vaccines are safe, effective, and free. As of today, the Pfizer vaccine is FDA approved and is being offered by the Company. Getting vaccinated is the best way for workers to protect themselves from this deadly virus.
A previous announcement by Disney that their employees would be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19 only covered non-union and salary employees. This agreement now covers the vast majority of Walt Disney World Resort employees.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!