There’s now a petition telling Delaware North, the parent company of Patina Restaurant Group, to reinstate an employee who worked at Disney Springs and was fired after reporting sexual harassment by her supervisor.
UNITE HERE Local 737 sponsors the petition along with UltraViolet and Central Florida Jobs with Justice. Last month, UNITE HERE Local 737 called on Ramen Rumble attendees to stand with Julie Ruiz, the fired employee, and demand accountability from Delaware North.
The petition is titled “Tell Delaware North: Reinstate this courageous survivor’s job & let workers organize!” It’s addressed to Delaware North CEO Lou Jacobs and Disney Springs VP Matt Simon.
Ruiz worked at Pizza Ponte, where she and a coworker reported sexual harassment by a supervisor. The supervisor remained in his position for another six months. Julie became a union leader and spoke out about the sexual harassment and working conditions.
She helped distribute a flyer that included her photo and a quote about why she was demanding changes. One week after distributing the flyer, Patina suspended Julie and then fired her for wearing an earbud while walking into work.
“We are appalled, but not surprised, given how pervasive sexual harassment and abuse are in the restaurant industry,” the petition states. “As workers and customers, we have the power to ensure that employers create fair workplaces. Julie’s workplace was not fair.”
The petition notes that women in the leisure and hospitality industries account for 14% of sexual harassment claims, the most of any industry.
“We are calling on Delaware North to bring Julie back to work and allow Disney Springs workers a fair process to organize a union!” the petition states.
Delaware North’s Patina Restaurant Group operates Pizza Ponte, Morimoto Asia, The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, and Enzo’s Hideaway at Disney Springs. Employees announced their intent to unionize last spring and Local 737 filed unfair labor charges against Delaware North.
Patina also operates some EPCOT restaurants. In an unprecedented move, several EPCOT and Disney Springs Cast Members wore union buttons onstage last month.
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