Whenever you think of Disney, you think of animated characters, over-the-top firework productions, A-list films, and magic. Or maybe you think of the rising admission prices, long waiting times, large crowds, and the political and racial debates that have recently developed within the company.
However you may feel about one of the largest companies in the country and the world, we can all agree on one thing, hopefully: everyone deserves respect.
Heiress to the Disney fortune, Abigail Disney, recently went undercover in the Disneyland park after viewing a Facebook post written by a Magic Kingdom worker who was disappointed with their working conditions. After her visit to the park, she was angry.
"I was so livid when I came out of there because … my grandfather taught me to revere these people that take your tickets, that pour your soda."
She may not have an official role in the company, but her recent statements have drawn the attention of many. She even went as far as to submit an email to Disney CEO, Robert Iger, whose income is over $65 million a year. She did not get a response, but was referred to the company's Human Resources Department.
It's no doubt that Iger worked for where he is today. Several people start from the bottom of the company and work their way to top positions, but just because they do so doesn't mean they don't deserve respect at every step there.
These employees work hard day and night to create magical experiences for all of their guests but are struggling to have a magical life of their own.
"A 2018 survey conducted by on behalf of a group of unions found that nearly three-quarters of full- and part-time employees (73%) said that they didn't earn enough money working at Disneyland Resort to pay for basic expenses each month," an article reports. "More than half were worried about being evicted, and about one-tenth reported being homeless in the previous two years."
These employees deserve more than having to be afraid of not having a place to sleep each night.
The company has done great things, however. The recent development of Disney Aspire has given hope to its part- and full-time employees who weren't able to attend college before. The program has given many a first or another chance at getting a degree in a field they enjoy to help enrich their career. It was also reported that their jobs come with other benefits such as ultra-cheap healthcare, but this just may not be enough.
Abigail is hoping to see some change soon, for she is afraid that the company is becoming something her family would be devastated about.