DeSantis-appointed board outraged that Disney is severely limiting its authority thanks to an ill-framed clause from King Charles III
- The pact included a rare clause which means it remains valid until ’21 years after the death of the last surviving descendant’ of King Charles III
- “We’re going to have to deal with it and fix it,” a board member complained.
- No comment from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Board members chosen by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to oversee the governance of Walt Disney World said Wednesday that their Disney-controlled predecessors had forced quick action on them by passing restrictive covenants that bar the new board of many of its powers.
Current supervisors of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District told a meeting that their predecessors last month signed a development agreement with the company that gave Disney maximum development power over the park complex’s 27,000 acres in theme in central Florida.
The five supervisors were appointed by the Republican governor to the board after the Florida legislature reshuffled Disney’s government in retaliation for the entertainment giant’s public opposition to so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ legislation that prohibits teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten. third year, as well as courses deemed unsuitable for age.
By taking on Disney, DeSantis cemented his reputation as a culture warrior willing to fight perceived political enemies and wield the power of state government to achieve political goals, a strategy that is likely to continue ahead of his potential run to the top. White House.
People gather at the Magic Kingdom theme park before the ‘Festival of Fantasy’ parade at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Disney strikes back! New DeSantis board of supervisors hobbled by Bob Iger — now decisions won’t go into effect for DECADES
The new supervisors replaced a council that had been controlled by Disney for the previous 55 years that the government operated as the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The new board members held their first meeting earlier this month and said they learned about the agreement after their appointment.
“We’re going to have to deal with it and fix it,” board member Brian Aungst said Wednesday. “It is a subversion of the will of the voters, of the Legislative Assembly and of the governor. It completely circumvents the authority of this council to govern.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the district is prohibited from using the name “Disney” or any symbol associated with the theme park without the company’s permission, nor may it use Mickey’s likeness. Mouse, other Disney characters or other intellectual property in any way. The company can sue for damages for any violations, and the agreement is effective in perpetuity, according to the statement.
If the deal is deemed to violate rules against life, 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 deals were above board and took place in public.
“All agreements signed between Disney and the District were appropriate and were discussed and approved in open and public forums that were observed in accordance with the Florida government’s Sunshine Law,” the statement said.
Ron DeSantis Signs Bill STRIPPING Disney’s Control Of Reedy Creek District
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Approved ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Legislation
On Wednesday, Disney World service workers voted to accept a union contract offer that raises the minimum starting wage to $18 an hour by the end of the year.
“Our cast members have always been at the heart of the Walt Disney World experience, and we are thrilled that, with the support of the union, they have overwhelmingly approved this new five-year agreement which significantly increases salaries, alongside our industry-leading benefits program, which includes affordable medical coverage and more,” Walt Disney World Resort Chairman Jeff Vahle said in a statement. “Frontline employees also have access to 100% paid tuition for higher education through the Disney Aspire program.”
The agreement covers approximately 45,000 Disney theme park resort service workers, including costume performers who play the role of Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters, bus drivers, culinary workers, lifeguards, theater workers and cleaners in hotels.
Workers will see their hourly wages increase to between $5.50 and $8.60 an 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 minimum hourly wage of $15, setting the trend for other workers in the area dominated by hospitality jobs.
