Furloughed Walt Disney World Cast Members confirmed to be automatically enrolled into state unemployment system

Apr 18, 2020 in "The Walt Disney Company"

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Posted: Saturday April 18, 2020 9:23am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

More than 75,000 Walt Disney World Cast Members will be furloughed beginning April 19, and Disney has now confirmed to Cast that they will be automatically enrolled into Florida's unemployment system.

The Walt Disney World theme parks have been closed since March 16 until further notice.

Cast Members have been attempting to use the state's CONNECT web-based system to register for benefits, but the system has been flooded with requests leaving it nearly impossible to use.

In a briefing last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis stated that he may launch a plan to automatically add Disney workers into the system, which would bypass the problematic website and put Cast Members into a position where they can receive the benefits they need. An agreement now appears to have been reached, and Disney is informing Cast Members this weekend that they will be automatically enrolled into the state system early next week.

Eligible Cast Members may receive up to $275 per week from the state, and an additional $600 per week from the federal CARES Act that was signed into law last month as COVID-19 took hold across the United States.

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mwf5555Apr 25, 2020

because eventually it will stop...

John HendershotApr 24, 2020

This is still an option for all eligible (hourly mostly) cast members. I’m not sure how many are willing to give up vacation/PTO right now however. I’m sure there are some 🤷🏻‍♂️

LilofanApr 24, 2020

I know things are bad when my local dealer advertises free pick up and delivery of my cars for service including disinfecting of cars and 25% off the total service bill.

LilofanApr 24, 2020

I read somewhere that cast members in the past could donate their vacation hours to fellow cast in need of pay. But all bets are off since most now are without a job and are furloughed.

ZoneOfTheEnderApr 24, 2020

Maybe a Stock transfer could be made from Disney Execs and large Shareholders into a Charitable Trust for the benefit of Cast Members in need. At this point in time it is the Cast Members who make Disney Magical vs inflated ticket prices and the “ride the movie” direction the theme parks are going and the obliteration of EPCOTs original direction. Oh well. The interaction with Cast Members is the lasting legacy of Walt IMO.

LilofanApr 24, 2020

If the unions that represented the cast had an emergency fund that should also be helping the cast but no luck.

ZoneOfTheEnderApr 24, 2020

They should also forgo their bonuses and create a charitable fund to help the Cast Members that are out of a job.

DisorbustApr 24, 2020

With the 600/week they did want to make it based on income so you would not be paid more on UI then you were working but the systems in the states are to antiquated to possible do it. Penny wise, dime foolish.

LilofanApr 24, 2020

I read something disturbing is that some that are laid off are skipping car repairs, doctor visits, and cancelling auto insurance. It's tough times.

LilofanApr 24, 2020

Disney did by slashing exec annual salary pay ranging from 20-30%. Iger took a 100% pay cut. Chapek took a 50% pay cut.

ZoneOfTheEnderApr 24, 2020

But do they have a conscious?

LilofanApr 24, 2020

All of it depends on the executive compensation contract the exec signs prior to accepting the job. Are bonuses guaranteed or not would probably be in the contract.

ZoneOfTheEnderApr 24, 2020

What are your thoughts on Disney executive bonuses being paid out from the billions of dollars bailout? It sounds like retaining Health benefits during furlough is great but what about the bonuses while some Cast Members are going from $2,000 a week to $362 a week UI?

seascapeApr 24, 2020

That statement is very political and doesn't belong on this thread. However, since you love big government so much I hope you enjoy paying more in taxes and getting mych less since we now have billions more in debt than total assets all of us Americans own publicly and privately.