Disney union push for wage hikes
What happened
Cast Members at Disney's Patina Group-run establishments are pushing for an $8/hour wage increase and better benefits, with negotiations ongoing Union Steps In to Allow Freedom of Speech for These Cast Members.
Why it matters
The Patina Group's employees, who are members of UNITE HERE Local 737, are pushing for a new contract that includes $8 raises over three years, free family health insurance, an improved pension, and a 20% automatic gratuity. Negotiations are set to continue on March 25, 2026. In late February, some union workers began wearing union buttons, but were told to remove them or be sent home. An arbitrator ruled that the Patina Group violated the workers' union contract and the National Labor Relations Act. Workers are now allowed to wear union buttons. In December 2025, supporters of UNITE HERE Local 737 held a rally to demand better conditions for Patina Group workers, including a fair process for organizing at non-union Patina restaurants at Disney Springs. In October 2025, workers nearly went on strike, which could have disrupted EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival. The strike was averted through legal maneuvers, but workers allege they faced intimidation tactics.
Key numbers
- Cast Members at Disney's Patina Group-run establishments are pushing for an $8/hour wage increase and better benefits, with negotiations ongoing Union Steps In to Allow Freedom of Speech for These Cast Members.
- The Patina Group's employees, who are members of UNITE HERE Local 737, are pushing for a new contract that includes $8 raises over three years, free family health insurance, an improved pension, and a 20% automatic gratuity.
- Negotiations are set to continue on March 25, 2026.
- In December 2025, supporters of UNITE HERE Local 737 held a rally to demand better conditions for Patina Group workers, including a fair process for organizing at non-union Patina restaurants at Disney Springs.
What happens next
- Negotiations are set to continue on March 25, 2026.
- In October 2025, workers nearly went on strike, which could have disrupted EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival.
Quick answers
What happened in Disney union push for wage hikes?
Cast Members at Disney's Patina Group-run establishments are pushing for an $8/hour wage increase and better benefits, with negotiations ongoing Union Steps In to Allow Freedom of Speech for These Cast Members.
Why does Disney union push for wage hikes matter?
The Patina Group's employees, who are members of UNITE HERE Local 737, are pushing for a new contract that includes $8 raises over three years, free family health insurance, an improved pension, and a 20% automatic gratuity. Negotiations are set to continue on March 25, 2026. In late February, some union workers began wearing union buttons, but were told to remove them or be sent home. An arbitrator ruled that the Patina Group violated the workers' union contract and the National Labor Relations Act. Workers are now allowed to wear union buttons. In December 2025, supporters of UNITE HERE Local 737 held a rally to demand better conditions for Patina Group workers, including a fair process for organizing at non-union Patina restaurants at Disney Springs. In October 2025, workers nearly went on strike, which could have disrupted EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival. The strike was averted through legal maneuvers, but workers allege they faced intimidation tactics.
