Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Walt Disney World and many Disney Parks around the world were faced with temporary closures resulting in the furloughs of tens of thousands of cast members. As vaccines for the virus become more available Disney has decided to stand behind its cast members pursing the shot by paying them during the time they’re out while being inoculated.
The Local 362 Union said Disney World will pay cast members for four hours of work if they have to miss part of their shift to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Union officials said the policy will last until Sept. 30.
According to the union, if a vaccine appointment conflicts with a cast member’s schedule, Disney World will not record an attendance notation. The union is encouraging all cast members to get the vaccine.
Earlier this month, Disney World workers asked Gov. Ron DeSantis to open vaccine eligibility to all hospitality workers.
All Floridians 18 and older will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine on April 5. As of Monday, the vaccine became available to anyone 40 and older.
The Walt Disney World Resort has been opened for several months now following its temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not all of the U.S. Disney Parks have been so lucky. Disneyland Resort is still closed and has been so for over a year.
Earlier this month, The Walt Disney Company announced the Anaheim theme parks have plans of finally reopening beginning April 30. Technically, the parks was allowed to open as early as April 1. However, officials at the theme parks said they needed additional time to staff up and make preparations. One theme park requiring extra time includes Knott’s Berry Farm, which isn’t set to re-open until sometime in May.
Universal Hollywood is set to reopen April 16–almost two weeks prior to that of Disneyland.
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