Disneyland unions seek delay in park reopening

Disneyland employee unions are asking the state to delay the park's expected reopening in July out of health and safety concerns.

ByABC7.com KABC logo
Friday, June 19, 2020
Disneyland unions seek delay in park reopening
Disneyland employee unions are asking the state to delay the park's expected reopening in July out of health and safety concerns.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- Disneyland employee unions are asking the state to delay the park's expected reopening in July out of concerns for health and safety.

The reopening is planned in phases, with Downtown Disney opening on July 9 and the theme park throwing open its gates on July 17.

The Coalition of Resort Labor Unions, about a dozen labor groups representing some 17,000 workers, wrote to Gov. Gavin Newsom asking for a delay in reopening.

"Unfortunately, despite intensive talks with the company, we are not yet convinced that it is safe to reopen the parks on Disney's rapid timetable," the coalition wrote.

The group praised Disney for some measures, such as paying workers salary and benefits for a time after the closure, and for coming up with plans to take the temperature of workers as they enter the workplace. But it also said some issues remain unresolved, such as plans for testing.

RELATED: Disneyland releases enhanced health-and-safety-measures for reopening

Disney has released a detailed plan to protect the health of workers as well as park guests.

According to Disneyland's website, these enhanced health and safety measures include:

  • Mandatory face coverings for both cast members and guests
  • The addition of hand-washing stations and physical barriers throughout the resort, where appropriate
  • Reduced theme park capacity to ensure physical distancing
  • Appropriate signs added to help guests move throughout the resort
  • Temperature checks for guests prior to entering the theme parks, Downtown Disney District
  • Daily health screenings and temperature checks for cast members
  • Expansion of Mobile Order through the Disneyland app, Apple pay and more
  • Enhanced cleaning and sanitation throughout the resort
  • The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of this station.

    Disneyland Resort announced Wednesday a proposed plan to begin a phased reopening of the popular tourist destination in Anaheim on July 9.