Disney World Firefighters are short staffed according to Union

Union officials representing the Reedy Creek Fire Department are saying firefighters are short-staffed at Walt Disney World.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the first responders at Disney World are dealing with short staffing. Reportedly this is an issue the department has been working with for years.

Jon Shirley is President of the Reedy Creek Firefighters Association. He shared his concerns with the Orlando Sentinel. He indicates that staffing issues being experienced by the fire department could cause more serious issues in an emergency.

Related: Cause of Magic Kingdom’s Fire Yesterday Revealed

According to the interview, Reedy Creek has reportedly not increased firefighter staffing since 1989. Disney World has built additional on-site entertainment and resort offerings since then, so the Reedy Creek department is concerned.

Shirey has said that the current Reedy Creek Fire Department has a minimum staffing per shift of 26 firefighters. These firefighters are spread across 5 ambulances and 4 fire engines. They are responsible for responding to emergencies in Disney World’s theme parks and resorts, as well as accidents on some neighboring roads.

Shirey has indicated that pre-pandemic they had 32 firefighters between 8 ambulances and 4 fire engines per shift.

The union is actually in arbitration with the district regarding the staffing issue. They are “pushing for more first responders.” Union members have indicated that the Reedy Creek Improvement District (which encompasses Disney World) reduced staffing in March of 2020 in response to the pandemic and park closures. The reduction in staffing was reportedly part of an agreement that was made to avoid layoffs.

The union has alleged that Reedy Creek is continuing to operate under the temporary staffing agreement made due to the pandemic.

Avery Maeher, a Disney spokesman, has said that the union’s claims about safety in Disney World are “simply not true.” In a statement, Maeher said, “The safety of everyone who comes to Walt Disney World Resort has always been extremely important to us, and we are grateful to all the first responders who continue to keep our property safe.”

Finally, we ask our readers to keep in mind that these are the views expressed from both parties in a recent news interview. The Union is still contending they have staffing issues and stating their concerns to the press. We’ll post updates when more information becomes available.

Related: Disney World Releases a Statement on Small Fire in Magic Kingdom

Check back here on Chip & Co. for the latest theme park and entertainment news updates!

Source: Orlando Sentinel

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