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Central Florida Members Overwhelmingly Ratify Four-Year Contract at Walt Disney World

Central Florida AEA members have overwhelmingly ratified a four-year contract at Walt Disney World, with over 90% of the valid returned ballots approving the agreement. The new contract will expire on September 15, 2012 and will impact over 700 full-time and casual performers working at Walt Disney World. Equity's negotiating team was co-chaired by 2nd Vice President Jean-Paul Richard and Councillor Valerie Toth-Grant. Senior Business Representative Zalina Hoosein was Chief Negotiator. Between August 25 and September 19, 2008, there were thirteen days of intense, productive bargaining.

Among Equity's achievements were:

• Increases in base pay rates (2% to 3.25%), premium pay (5%) and contract completion bonuses (2% to 4%);
• Increase in Pension contribution;
• Payment for performers whose audio recordings are used for retail sale;
• Compensation for performers whose scheduled recording sessions are cancelled with less than 24 hours notice;
• Conditions under which a substitute dance and/or vocal captain will be assigned;
• Elimination of the "no pyramiding of rates" pay structure in the 4th year of the Agreement, resulting full premium payment to performers functioning as leads and/or captains;
• 4 hours minimum overtime payment for the "Magical Gatherings" special events.
• Specific terms and conditions for the Lights! Motor! Action! Extreme Stunt Show

"I am very pleased with the results of this challenging negotiation," said Ms. Hoosein. "I want to express my thanks to our Negotiating Team and Team Co-Chairs, Valerie Toth Grant and Jean Paul Richard, and Councillor Margot Moreland. I also wish to acknowledge our dedicated Orlando staff, Brian Spitler and Jennie Davis, who offered detailed knowledge about the contract and gave us valuable insight about the impact of the proposals."

Ms. Hoosein added: "I also wish to thank the more than 40 Team members currently working under the Disney World agreement. Among the Team members, Krista Anderson Abbott, Philip Nolen, Robby Pigott, Lisa Sleeper and Paul Tomayko have served on every Negotiating Team since 1997, dedicating many hours of their "off-duty" time to representing the interests of their Equity peers."

Front Row: Dave Uhrig, Margot Moreland, Valerie Toth-Grant, Jean-Paul Richard, Zalina Hoosein, Phil Bernard, RK Kelley, Zonia Wynns.

Middle Row: Jerry Vincent, Michael Deutsch, Brian Spitler, Michele Casanova, Philip Nolen, Lisa Sleeper, Art Bundey, TJ Scammon, Arlen Strickland, Jennie Davis, Kristen Sheola, Laura Christianson, Chris Louk, Sylvie Constantin, Bud Gober, Cate Cranston, Herb Hansen.

Back Row: Krista Anderson, Scott Sadler, Robby Pigott, Patty Kalber, Missy Meyer, Tony Lopez, Jackie Dames.

(Names in italics are representative of Disney World.)