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.
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.
