Disney Firefighters’ Contract Negotiations Strain Relations with New Governing Body

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The relationship between Walt Disney World’s governing district and its firefighters is facing uncertainty due to stalled contract negotiations. Following the appointment of representatives by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this year, the firefighters initially welcomed them. However, the rapport now hangs in the balance as a newly appointed district administrator has reopened discussions on a contract that the unionized firefighters had already approved the previous month. The contract aimed to provide salary increases and additional staff.

Originally, the contract was scheduled for a vote during a meeting of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board of supervisors last month. However, it was not addressed, and it was omitted from the agenda of the upcoming meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

The proposed three-year contract, which received overwhelming approval from 200 firefighters and first responders, outlined a rise in the annual starting pay for firefighters from $55,000 to $65,000. It also promised the hiring of up to 36 additional firefighters and paramedics.

Since the DeSantis-appointed supervisors assumed their positions earlier this year, Jon Shirey, the leader of the firefighters’ union, commended them for visiting firefighters at their stations on Disney World’s 39 square-mile property. The firefighters were optimistic about collaborating with the new supervisors and administrator after years of conflicts with their predecessors, who were known for supporting Disney. They saw these appointments as an opportunity for a fresh start and praised the newfound transparency, open dialogue, and willingness to address their concerns.

The feeling of mutual cooperation was echoed by board chairman Martin Garcia, who emphasized that the board aimed to support not only the firefighters but all employees of the district. Garcia expressed care and appreciation for the entire workforce during a previous meeting.

However, the delay in approving the contract has left the firefighters’ union feeling alienated. It is worth noting that the union had endorsed DeSantis’ gubernatorial reelection campaign last year, and DeSantis has recently launched a campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.

The previous contract had expired four years ago, and last year the firefighters reached an impasse with the district’s board, which was then controlled by Disney supporters. The Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters, Local 2117, have long voiced concerns about being understaffed, which poses safety risks as the theme park resort continues to expand.

Last month, District Administrator John Classe, who had negotiated the new contract, was replaced by Glenton Gilzean, an ally of DeSantis. Gilzean, formerly the president and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League, will receive a $400,000 salary in his new position. Classe will remain as a special advisor, with the district continuing to pay him.

A spokesperson for the board, Alexei Woltornist, stated that negotiations with the union were ongoing but did not provide an explanation as to why they were reopened despite the contract having already been approved by the firefighters and first responders. Woltornist mentioned that Administrator Gilzean was actively working to finalize a deal that would offer competitive compensation and provide the necessary resources for the firefighters to protect the public.

Officials from the firefighters’ union declined to comment.

Earlier this year, DeSantis appointed representatives to the Disney World governing board following a yearlong feud between the company and himself. The dispute arose when Disney publicly opposed a state law banning classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. In response, DeSantis took control of the district through legislation enacted by Florida lawmakers and appointed a new board of supervisors to oversee municipal services within the expansive theme parks and hotels. However, prior to the new board’s arrival, the company reached agreements with previous oversight board members, diminishing the authority of the newly appointed supervisors over design and construction.

Disney filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and the board, seeking to invalidate the governor’s takeover of the theme park district and challenge the oversight board’s actions, citing violations of the company’s free speech rights. In turn, the board sued Disney in state court to maintain control over construction and design at Disney World.

The district was established in 1967 when then-Florida Governor Claude Kirk signed legislation authorizing its jurisdiction over land use regulation, building code enforcement, wastewater treatment, drainage control, utilities maintenance, and fire protection at Disney World.

Similar private governance structures are not uncommon in rapidly growing Florida, where over 600 community development districts manage and finance infrastructure in new communities.

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Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at @MikeSchneiderAP

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about contract negotiations

More about contract negotiations

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
• Walt Disney World
• Central Florida Tourism Oversight District
• Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters, Local 2117
• Glenton Gilzean
• Overview of Community Development Districts in Florida
• Disney’s Lawsuit against Governor DeSantis
• Board’s Lawsuit against Disney