Thousands of Walt Disney World workers are in line for a sizable pay increase after the company finally agreed a new contract settlement with unions.
Up to 38,000 service employees at Walt Disney World will get minimum payoif $15 an hour from 2021.
Unions called the settlement ‘historic’ and ends months of heated negotiations and widespread protests.
It will make a major difference to the lifestyles for many who currently earn only $10-$11 an hour, said Jeremy Haicken, the president of the Local 737 union.
Increases will be phased in between now and 2021.
From September the starting wage will rise to $13 an hour, then $14 in October 2020 and $15 in October 2021.
Union members will vote on the new contract next week.
"We are thrilled our cast members will have the chance to vote on what is one of the highest entry-level service wages in the country. This represents a 50 percent bump in pay bringing starting wages to $15 an hour by 2021."
Disney has come under intense public pressure to offer a living wage to workers in both Florida and California, particularly after booking a billion-dollar second quarter profit.
Hundreds of union workers protested at Disney World after rejecting 2.5% salary increase.
A second improved pay offer was also rejected.
California is set to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour in 2022.
"I have to give Disney credit. Yes, there was a lot of public pressure for them to raise their wages, but they did do it. Disney is such a large employer, they really set the standard for employment in the region," Haicken said.
