DeSantis-appointed board outraged that Disney severely curbs its authority

Board members selected by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to oversee Walt Disney World’s governance said Wednesday that their Disney-controlled predecessors dealt a swift blow to them by entering into restrictive covenants that would restrict the new board of directors. stripped many of his powers.

Current supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District said at a meeting last month that their predecessors signed a development agreement with the company that gives Disney maximum development power over the theme park resort’s 27,000 acres in central Florida.

The five regulators were appointed to the board of directors by the Republican governor after the Florida legislature reviewed the Disney government in retaliation for the entertainment giant publicly opposing so-called “Don’t Say Gay” legislation that mandated instruction on prohibits sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, as well as classes deemed inappropriate for age.

By taking on Disney, DeSantis cemented his reputation as a culture warrior willing to fight perceived political enemies and use the power of the state government to further political goals, a strategy expected to continue ahead of his potential run on the White House.

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The new overseers replaced a board that had been run by Disney during the government’s previous 55 years of operation as the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The new board members held their first meeting earlier this month and said they were made aware of the agreement upon their appointment.

“We’re going to have to deal with it and correct it,” board member Brian Aungst said Wednesday. “It is an undermining of the will of the voters and the legislature and the governor. It completely bypasses the authority of this administration to govern.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the district is prohibited from using the “Disney” name or other symbols associated with the theme park resort without the company’s permission, nor may it use the likeness of Mickey Mouse, other Disney characters, or other intellectual property. use in any way. The company may seek damages for any violations and the agreement is in perpetuity, according to the statement.

If the agreement is deemed to violate rules against perpetuity, it will be in effect until 21 years after the death of the last surviving descendant of England’s King Charles III, the statement said.

In a statement, Disney said all agreements were in order and made public.

“All agreements between Disney and the District were appropriate and discussed and approved in open, noted public forums in accordance with the Florida government’s Sunshine Act,” the statement said.

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On Wednesday, Disney World service workers voted to accept a union contract offer that will raise the minimum wage to $18 an hour by the end of the year.

“Our cast members have always been central to the Walt Disney World experience and we are pleased that, with the support of the union, they have approved this new five-year agreement that significantly increases wages, in addition to our industry-leading benefits program. that includes affordable medical coverage and more,” Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle said in a statement. “Frontline employees also have access to 100 percent paid tuition for higher education through the Disney Aspire program.”

The agreement covers approximately 45,000 service employees at the Disney theme park resort, including costumed performers who perform as Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters, bus drivers, culinary staff, lifeguards, theater staff and hotel housekeepers.

Workers will see their hourly wages rise between $5.50 and $8.60 per hour by the end of the five-year contract, according to union leaders.

A contract approved five years ago made Disney the first major employer in central Florida to agree to a $15 minimum hourly wage, setting the trend for other workers in the region dominated by hospitality jobs.