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Patina Group Restaurant Workers at EPCOT and Disney Springs Voting on Possible Strike
A potential labor shake-up is brewing at Walt Disney World as restaurant workers employed by Patina Restaurant Group vote on whether to authorize a strike. The decision could affect several popular dining locations in EPCOT’s Italy pavilion: Tutto Italia, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, and Via Napoli.
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UNITE HERE Local 737, the union representing Patina Group employees, announced the strike authorization vote during a press conference on Tuesday. According to the union, negotiations with Patina Group have not made “adequate progress,” and the current labor contract for Italy pavilion restaurants expires September 30. If approved, the vote would give the bargaining committee the ability to call a strike at any time after that date.
This would be historic, as it would mark the first time employees have gone on strike inside a Walt Disney World theme park. The development also comes amid broader organizing efforts among Patina Group workers across Walt Disney World. Employees unionized last year, citing what they described as “second-class working conditions,” and they filed a formal complaint against the company in July.
Patina Group, a subsidiary of Delaware North, operates multiple high-profile dining venues at Disney World beyond the Italy pavilion. These include Space 220 at EPCOT, as well as Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, The Edison, Morimoto Asia, and Pizza Ponte at Disney Springs. Note only the
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To keep guests informed, the union launched a new website, DisneyWorldFoodAlert.org, where visitors can find updates about potential labor disputes and see which restaurants are covered by fair union contracts.
It’s important to note that this news comes at the time of ongoing contract negotiations, and as of now, Patina Group has not issued a public response. Whether or not the strike vote results in a work stoppage remains to be seen, but with the busy fall season approaching — including EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival — the timing could have significant impacts for both guests and Cast Members alike.
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