Disney Springs and EPCOT Italy Pavilion Team Members Make History by Wearing Union Buttons at Work

Union Buttons Appear at Disney Springs and EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion—Here’s Why

Something new is catching the eye of guests at Disney Springs and EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion, but it’s not a ride, a restaurant, or a limited-time treat. For the first time in Walt Disney World’s history, some restaurant employees are wearing union buttons while on the job, signaling a push for changes in wages, benefits, and working conditions.

The workers wearing these buttons are employed by the Patina Restaurant Group, a subsidiary of Delaware North, which operates several restaurants at Disney Springs and EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion. While they work in locations that many guests associate with Disney, these employees are not Disney Cast Members and do not receive the same wages or benefits as those directly employed by the company.

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At EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion, workers are already unionized but are preparing for negotiations to bring their contract in line with Disney Cast Member standards. At Disney Springs, however, restaurant employees are not currently unionized, and some have voiced concerns about access to benefits such as affordable health insurance, paid vacation, and paid sick days.

Kristen Mercer, a server at Maria and Enzo’s, shared her perspective:
“Living in Orlando, we know that Disney is where you want to go and build a career. But working at Disney Springs is not the same experience. We provide that guest experience just as much as any other Cast Members. It’s time for Patina to step up and offer us the same dignity and respect that Disney Cast Members receive.”

The restaurants where employees have chosen to wear union buttons include Tutto Italia Ristorante, Maria and Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, Pizza Ponte, Morimoto Asia, and The Edison. According to some workers, many guests assume that all employees at these locations receive Disney-level pay and benefits, leading to confusion when the reality differs.

Joli Lindsay, a server at The Edison, noted:
“When guests visit restaurants at Disney Springs and the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT, they expect the same Disney Magic and the same Disney experience. But many don’t realize these workers aren’t Disney employees, they don’t have the same benefits, and there is no magic for the Cast Members.”

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Not all workers at these locations may feel the same way, and negotiations between labor groups and employers are often complex. UNITE HERE Local 737, the union representing hospitality workers across Central Florida, is advocating for higher wages and stronger benefits for Patina employees, as well as a fair process for Disney Springs restaurant workers to explore unionizing. Patina Restaurant Group and Delaware North have not publicly responded to the union button campaign, with discussions about wages and working conditions likely to ramp up as contract negotiations move forward at EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion.

As this effort unfolds, guests may notice these buttons during their visits to Maria and Enzo’s, The Edison, Tutto Italia, or Morimoto Asia. While the debate over wages and benefits continues, one thing remains clear—these workers are committed to delivering the high-quality dining experiences guests expect at Walt Disney World.

What do you think about this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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