Walt Disney World to make 3-year contract with its union group

Photo: Walt Disney World to make 3-year contract with its union group

Union members representing about one-third of Walt Disney World's workers approved a more than three-year contract, the company and union said.

The contract, approved late Wednesday, includes an enhanced pension plan, an agreement to cooperate on new scheduling plans and increases in pay, with most ranging from 4 percent to 5 percent annually.

Members rejected a contract in a May over concerns about raises and health care costs.

"We're looking forward to seeing to it that the improvements for our members that are included in this contract are fully enjoyed by our members, both in the economic areas and in scheduling," said Morty Miller, president of Service Trades Council.

The council represents 21,000 of Disney World's 60,000 employees, from food service to merchandise personnel, lifeguards, vacation planners, stage technicians and janitors.

"We are pleased that we have achieved an agreement that acknowledges the contributions of our cast and positions Walt Disney World Resort for future success," Steve Eisenhardt, vice president of labor relations for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said in an e-mail statement.

The contract runs retroactively from April 28 and extends though Oct. 2, 2010.