The hotel labor union Unite Here Local 11 was expecting approximately
500 Disney hotel workers to participate in a march and candlelight
vigil Tuesday night at the Paradise Pier Hotel in Anaheim, Calif.,
calling attention to ongoing contract disagreements over health-care
benefits and safety problems occurring at Disneyland hotels. In
addition, 10 hotel workers fasted on the premises of the Grand
Californian Hotel. Disneyland has called on Unite Here Local 11 to work
with an independent federal mediator to resolve the two-year contract
dispute, since the union has not made steps to return to the bargaining
table following Disney's final offer, made in June 2009. In response to
yesterday's events, Robert Donahue, director of resort sales and
services, said, "Despite occasional union activity by Unite Here Union
Local 11 at the Disneyland Resort, we have not experienced any
disruptions to hotel or convention operations. All group activities
continue to move forth as normal. In the event of attempted disruptions
by the union, we can activate a well-developed contingency plan, which
will ensure a seamless experience for our guests. It is unfortunate
that the union has chosen to take this path rather than making a
professional attempt to resolve the situation. It also concerns us that
the union would risk the health and safety of their members in this
manner. We continue to ask the union to meet with an independent
federal mediator in the hopes of making progress on our negotiations."