The Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing stage performers at Walt Disney World have reached an agreement with the company.
AEA released the following statement regarding reports that Walt Disney World has agreed to provide space for an on-site center for COVID testing at Walt Disney World.
“We have been consistent that testing is an important part of ensuring a safe workplace for Equity performers, and today, I’m pleased to see that Disney World has agreed,” said Kate Shindle, President of Actors’ Equity Association. “With the news that Disney will make testing available for Equity performers and others in the park, I’m happy to announce that Equity’s executive committee has signed a memorandum of understanding with Disney for Equity performers to return.”
Equity performers have not worked at Walt Disney World since the parks closed in March. Much of the holdup in negotiations were protections for workers, including testing.
Now, that hurdle has been cleared with the state of Florida providing free testing for cast members and families at Disney’s Maingate Complex starting August 14th.
Walt Disney World has been operating without shows featuring AEA performers since the parks reopened. There is no timeline for when shows like Finding Nemo: The Musical, Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage or others will return.