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Disney Blocks Proposed Labor Strike by EPCOT Italy Pavilion Food Service Workers
A planned labor strike by employees at EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion restaurants has been halted after an arbitrator ruled that such action would violate existing labor agreements between Disney and its unions.
The dispute involves more than 70 employees who work at Tutto Italia Ristorante, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, and Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar. These locations are operated by Patina Restaurant Group, which manages several third-party dining venues across Walt Disney World. The workers are represented by UNITE HERE Local 737, a union that also represents thousands of Disney cast members in food service and hospitality roles.
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Negotiations for a new contract between Patina Group and the union have been ongoing since early 2025. Their previous agreement expired on September 30. Union leaders have been pushing for an $8 per hour wage increase phased in over three years, a pension plan, more affordable health insurance, and a 20% automatic gratuity on guest checks. Current hourly wages range from about $18.50 to $26.50 per hour.
Earlier this summer, UNITE HERE Local 737 announced that its members had voted to authorize a strike if an agreement was not reached. Such a move would have marked the first-ever strike by food service employees on Walt Disney World property.
However, Disney sought arbitration to determine whether such a strike would violate existing labor rules. The arbitrator ultimately sided with Disney, concluding that the “no-strike” clause in the master labor contract—covering multiple unions across the resort—extends to subcontracted employees like those of Patina Group.
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In response, Disney emphasized that it values its union partnerships and remains committed to resolving labor negotiations within established agreements. The company did not directly comment on the specifics of the ongoing talks with Patina Group but noted that operations at the EPCOT Italy Pavilion would continue as normal.
Union representatives have expressed disappointment with the decision, arguing that the ruling limits their members’ leverage to advocate for better pay and benefits. Still, negotiations between Patina Group and UNITE HERE Local 737 are expected to continue in hopes of reaching a new contract soon.
For now, guests visiting EPCOT will find all Italy Pavilion restaurants operating as usual while discussions continue behind the scenes.
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