Union for hospitality workers calls on Disney to end new business with restaurant company

May 9, 2026 - 02:44

A labor union that represents food and beverage workers at Disney theme parks is publicly asking the company to stop awarding new contracts to a specific restaurant operator. The union, which advocates for hospitality employees across Disney properties, claims the contractor has a history of labor violations and poor working conditions.

In a statement released this week, union leaders said they have repeatedly raised concerns about the contractor's treatment of staff, including issues related to wages, scheduling, and workplace safety. They argue that continuing to do business with the company undermines Disney's stated commitment to fair labor practices. The union is not asking Disney to terminate existing contracts immediately, but rather to exclude the firm from any future bidding or expansion opportunities.

Disney has not yet issued a formal response to the union's request. The contractor in question has previously denied allegations of wrongdoing, stating it complies with all applicable labor laws. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between large entertainment corporations and the unions representing their service workers, many of whom have pushed for higher pay and better benefits in recent years.

The union's call comes as Disney faces increased scrutiny over its use of third-party vendors and subcontractors. Some workers have expressed frustration that while Disney promotes a family-friendly image, the companies it hires to run restaurants and concessions do not always meet the same standards. Union representatives say they hope the company will listen to its employees and take a stand for ethical business partnerships.