Paid Time Off, Adjusted Attendance Policy Promised to Walt Disney World Cast Members with COVID-19 or Related Symptoms

Jessica Figueroa

Magic kingdom photo report Main Street

Paid Time Off, Adjusted Attendance Policy Promised to Walt Disney World Cast Members with COVID-19 or Related Symptoms

Cast Members will be returning to work as early as this Friday after months of being on furlough to welcome back the first wave of guests to the property on May 20. While many are eager to return to work, the ever-present fear of infection lingers. Thankfully, workers unions are negotiating certain terms to allow Cast Members some safety and relief––as well as financial security––once they head back onto the property.

Magic kingdom photo report Main Street

As the Orlando Sentinel reports, Cast Members who get sick with COVID-19 will get guaranteed paid time off to quarantine, according to the Service Trades Council Union. Employees who call in sick will not be in violation of the attendance policy if they show coronavirus symptoms.

Just yesterday, it was revealed that Disney would be providing its Cast Members with three washable face masks. They can also request a thermometer.

Throughout the complex, plexiglass dividers have been installed at registers. Guests will swipe their own payments cards, as they will no longer be handled by employees. Custodians will be retrained to focus on cleaning high-traffic, high-touch areas.

Disney has developed new global training guidelines for park employees amid the pandemic. The company will also hold monthly safety meetings, with which the union will be involved.

Disney Springs will begin its phased reopening on May 20, with Disney-owned shops and eateries scheduled to reopen on May 27.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

4 thoughts on “Paid Time Off, Adjusted Attendance Policy Promised to Walt Disney World Cast Members with COVID-19 or Related Symptoms”

  1. Curious on the details here. I think a mask is a dealbreaker for me. Are these newly negotiated guidelines indefinite? To be reevaluated after a certain point? Wonering if anyone has details beyond the basic points listed.

      • LOL okay thank you for that uplifiting response but that’s not actually what I asked. Every plan has checkpoints and evaluation points to determine what is working, what is not, and to make modifications as needed. I’m wondering what that looks like for this. Just like things changed after Sept 11th. It was uncharted territory. But changes were made and then evolved accordingly. Honestly, I feel like after a couple people pass out there will be some changes implemented. You cant rebreathe co2 in 90 degree temps and high humidity and expect that to end well.

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