Some of the Laid Off Walt Disney World Employees Have Been Rehired
Recently we reported on the layoffs of nearly 250 Walt Disney World Resort cast members who were not only being replaced by foreign workers on temporary H-1B visas, but also had to train these replacement workers. We are now seeing reports that Disney has rehired nearly 120 of these employees and changed their mind about other layoffs in the television division.
Disney rehires some laid off workers
After the original layoff story ran in the New York Times last month, Florida Senator Bill Nelson got involved and asked for an investigation of the visa program by the Department of Homeland Security.
The guidelines for the use of these visas state that the visas are for foreigners with advance science or computer skills to fill positions when American workers with the same skills aren't available. The use of the visas shouldn't have a negative effect on the wages or work conditions of those American workers.
Disney had originally told the cast members that they would be laid off but would receive a "stay bonus" if they remained on the job for 90 days. Many of the cast members were also required to train their replacements during a three-month period in order to receive their severance packages.
However, it has been reported that 120 of the laid off workers were rehired by Disney in other capacities and 70 additional positions were created by Disney.
Additionally, nearly 35 application developers with Disney ABC Television group that were going to be laid off have been notified that their layoffs had been rescinded.
Disney has not officially acknowledged the change of plans with regard to those layoffs.
What do you think about the layoffs and rehiring of some of the laid off cast members? Let us know in the comments.
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Keith wrote on Thu, 06/18/2015 - 01:30:
A couple of inaccuracies in regards to the original WDW layoffs.
While some of the terminated people were re-hired, it was because they went and applied and interviewed over the last 4 months to new openings as outsiders and negotiated new salaries. Disney didn't reach out and rehire them at their old salary & position as part of a reversal decision. Being laid off at any company doesn't prevent you from coming back (and if you come back in a similar role it raises questions about why they not held onto).
There wasn't a "stay bonus". When you get laid-off, corporate policy is you get 1 week severance pay for every year employed. Many companies give more. All employees, whether they trained someone or not, were required to stay the entire 90 days or else they had some or all of their money denied them.
Keith wrote on Thu, 06/18/2015 - 05:26:
I'm going to retract part of my previous comment. While everyone who wanted to receive their entire severance pay had to work until the end of Jan, I am hearing that some of the people who trained replacements did get a bonus check. I don't know why some did and some didn't. I'm trying to find out.
Andrea wrote on Sat, 06/20/2015 - 12:32:
I have always been a fan of Disney. We have taken our family there on vacation several times. I was appalled by the article of Disney laying off employees to hire people with visas. I just could not understand why?
Disney world is the WORLDS most visited amusement park in the world, That is something that AMERICA could have been proud of. Not any longer.
I have resigned to the fact that I will no longer make that long trip, and spend all that money on a vacation that will layoff Americans to hire people with visas from another country. I know it is all about money now. That is bothersome.
Amo wrote on Sat, 06/20/2015 - 14:46:
Senator Nelson has done a great service to the people of Florida. Keep up the good work. Thank you!
Mike wrote on Sat, 06/20/2015 - 15:32:
The 120 rehired is an overinflated number. As Keith alluded to, many of those people "rehired" are now working hourly positions in the park making less than half of their previous salary hoping to come back to IT.
dianne wrote on Sun, 06/21/2015 - 00:11:
Isn't it sad it took a political interference to achieve what never should have occurred in the first place?
Judy wrote on Thu, 07/16/2015 - 20:58:
I am still outraged over the firing of the capable, loyal, American workers at Disneyworld since I read about it last month. I have sent e-mails and letters to Disney officials and have not received any replies. I left messages with my Senator from NJ as well as Senator Rubio from FL. How dare Disney misuse this law to replace American workers just so they can add to their already over flowing profits. What is more of an all American cultural icon than Mickey and Minnie and gang? I am all for boycotting all things Disney until they correct their outrageous foolhardy decision.
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