ORLANDO, Florida, USA (AP) — Large numbers of Walt Disney Co workers in the United States are threatening a strike on Tuesday, leaving the company in a dilemma between the expectations of a diverse workforce and the demands of an increasingly polarized and politicized labor market.
On one side are LGBTQ rights advocates and Disney employees calling for a stoppage in protest at CEO Bon Chapek's slow response to publicly criticize a Florida law that opponents call “Don't Say Gay.” The legislation, which awaits the governor's signature, would prohibit instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten and through third grade.
On the other side are politicians like Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who accuse the entertainment giant of giving in to pressure following a Disney decision to temporarily suspend political contributions in the state. According to Disney's conservative critics, the company should be dedicated to making money, not promoting an agenda.
It was not clear how many employees would quit their jobs or what would happen to those who do. The union leaders of tens of thousands of unionized workers at Disney theme parks in Florida and California said they did not see an impetus among their members for a strike and advised them not to do so because it would violate contractual obligations. Organizers said they expected some participation from workers in production, marketing, IT and other non-union jobs.
Evan Power, who chairs the Republican Party in Leon County, said he thinks a strident minority of Democratic employees are promoting the issue and that DeSantis has more to gain by siding with parents who want more influence over education and “sex talk” in the early grades in schools. DeSantis is considered a likely candidate by Republicans in the 2024 presidential election.
“I think it pays dividends with parents in the state of Florida regardless of political divisions,” Power said.
“I don't want to downplay the efforts of others, if someone feels that what they are doing is the right way to make an impact,” said Eric Clinton, president of Unite Here! , the guild that represents security guards, maidens and other employees of theme parks. “We're not part of it.”
Union leaders said the contract prohibits work stoppages or interruptions.
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