Several local and state-level Democratic leaders in Central Florida are urging the Walt Disney Company to investigate allegations of worker mistreatment at Patina Group's restaurants located at Disney Springs and Epcot.
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floridapolitics.comIn a letter signed by prominent figures such as Sens.LaVon Bracy Davis and Carlos Guillermo Smith, along with Reps.Jose Alvarez, Anna Eskamani, Rita Harris, and Johanna López, the lawmakers emphasized that subcontracting should not excuse poor treatment of workers.
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floridapolitics.comorlandoweekly.comThey stated, "We wouldn't allow a company operating on our property, representing our legacy, to violate our own standards - and we would expect to be held accountable.".The call for an investigation stems from allegations that Patina Group, which operates several restaurants on Disney property, has violated federal labor laws by surveilling employees' union activities and threatening those who support unionization.
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floridapolitics.comThe lawmakers also expressed concerns about potential sexual harassment incidents occurring within Patina's establishments.
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orlandoweekly.comOrange County Commissioners Kelly Martinez Semrad and Nicole Wilson recently held a community forum where they publicly released the letters urging Disney to take action.
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floridapolitics.comSemrad's letter to Disney's Government Relations emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in addressing these serious allegations.
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floridapolitics.comPatina Group operates several restaurants at Disney, including Space 220 in Epcot and Enzo's Hideaway in Disney Springs.
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floridapolitics.comNotably, three of Patina's restaurants in Epcot's Italy Pavilion unionized last year and are now represented by Unite Here 737, a union advocating for better working conditions for restaurant and beverage employees.
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floridapolitics.comorlandoweekly.comWorkers at Patina Group have reported being paid less than their Disney counterparts and often work part-time hours, which disqualifies them from benefits such as paid time off.
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floridapolitics.com"I was astounded by what they were encountering in the workplace," said Commissioner Wilson, highlighting the importance of hospitality workers in the region's economy.
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floridapolitics.comUnite Here has filed multiple unfair labor practices complaints against Patina Group, which are currently pending with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).During labor negotiations last year, Patina union employees considered striking until Disney intervened, leading to an independent arbitrator halting what would have been a historic strike on Disney property.
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floridapolitics.comThe allegations against Patina Group include not only labor law violations but also breaches of Disney's supply chain code of conduct, which mandates compliance with labor laws and prohibits harassment.
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orlandoweekly.comTwo female employees have publicly shared their experiences of sexual harassment by a supervisor, who reportedly remained employed despite the allegations.
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orlandoweekly.comJulissa "Julie" Ruiz, a former Patina Group worker, has become a vocal advocate for her colleagues, sharing her story of harassment and subsequent firing after speaking out.
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orlandoweekly.comRuiz's efforts to organize a union at Disney Springs have garnered attention, as she continues to fight for better working conditions for her fellow employees.
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orlandoweekly.comDisney has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the investigation into Patina Group.
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orlandoweekly.comThe pressure from elected officials marks a significant escalation in the ongoing struggle for workers' rights at Disney's subcontracted restaurants, as advocates seek to ensure that all workers are treated fairly and with respect.
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orlandoweekly.comAs the situation develops, the community and labor advocates are closely monitoring Disney's response to these serious allegations, hoping for a commitment to uphold the standards expected of a company of its stature.
