Fewer Disney employees whistle while they work

[Liberal_in_LA]

Fewer Disney employees whistle while they work

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/04/09/disney.layoffs/index.html

Story Highlights
One Disney employee recognized for decades of service, is laid off next day
Laid-off employees reluctant to talk for fear of jeopardizing severance packages
Orlando area hotels also hit hard by dropoff in business
Disney spokesman says company downsizing like many other U.S. firms


By John Couwels
CNN

ORLANDO, Florida (CNN) -- Disney World has not been the happiest place on Earth for employees this year.

Imagine one day receiving recognition for decades of service from your employer only to be laid off the next day. That is what happened to one Walt Disney Parks and Resorts employee who asked not be identified.

Disney has eliminated 1,900 U.S.-based positions since mid-February. Some 900 salaried employees working at Disney's theme parks in Florida were laid off, and 700 open positions were eliminated, said communications Vice President Mike Griffin. In California, 200 workers were laid off and 100 open positions were cut.

Disneyland in California and Disney World are having their behind-the-scenes operations combined in a restructuring, said Griffin. Disney officials say theme parks, the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club and off-property resorts have seen some people with decades of experience laid off during the restructuring.

The former employee let go after decades of service is still hoping to return once the economy improves. Several other employees said they did not want speak to CNN in fear of jeopardizing the generous severance packages offered by Disney.

Employees let go will receive pay for 60 days; extended medical coverage; and severance packages that vary according to their years of service, said a Disney source. Disney's Griffin said: "These decisions were not made lightly, but are essential to maintaining our leadership in family tourism and reflect today's economic realities."

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Times are tough.

If Disney's hurting, imagine how badly the low-end tourist destinations are fairing.

[lob1]

2. Disney is a crappy place to work to start with. The smaller you are,

the worse they treat you. I hear they laid off 5 of the 7 dwarfs.

edit for spelling

[MrPerson]

3. Its always been a Mickey Mouse operation.

[chaplainM]

4. Downsized Disney Attractions

Great Moments with Mr. Coolidge
Buzz Furlong
Mr. Toad's mildly unpredictable ride
The Haunted Shack
Subsidiary Street, USA
Space Hill
It's a Smaller World

[lib2DaBone]

5. Mickey Mouse is a cheap Mother......treat employees AWFUL....

[chaplainM]

6. Animators refer to Disney studios as...

...Mauschwitz.

[Ikonoklast]

7. I was under the understanding that The Rat was considering contracting

with the State of Florida Dept. of Corrections to engage chain gang labor at Disneyworld for grounds keeping, but were turned down by the state because working for Herr Mickey was deemed cruel and unusual punishment.