ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Following the recent takeover of Walt Disney World’s governing district by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees, the firefighters at the theme park initially embraced the new leadership with open arms. However, their positive relationship now hangs in the balance as a new district administrator has decided to reopen contract negotiations that had already been approved by the unionized firefighters just last month. This renegotiation includes promises of salary raises and an increase in staff numbers.
Previously, a vote on the contract was planned to take place during a meeting of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board of supervisors. However, it was unexpectedly omitted from the agenda and was not addressed. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, and it remains to be seen if the contract will be brought up then.
The proposed three-year contract, which received overwhelming support from 200 firefighters and first responders, entails an increase in the annual starting pay for firefighters from $55,000 to $65,000. Additionally, it includes the commitment to hire approximately 36 additional firefighters and paramedics.
During multiple meetings following the installment of the DeSantis-appointed supervisors earlier this year, Jon Shirey, the leader of the firefighters’ union, commended them for personally visiting the firefighters at their stations across the expansive 39 square-mile (101 square-kilometer) Walt Disney World property.
Having experienced conflicts with the previous supervisors who were seen as aligned with Disney, the firefighters saw the arrival of the new appointees as a chance for a new beginning. They eagerly anticipated collaborating with the supervisors and the administrator, considering it as “an opportunity for a fresh start,” according to Shirey.
Last month, during a meeting with board members, Shirey expressed the remarkable shift that took place almost overnight. He emphasized the newfound transparency, open dialogue, and the opportunity to voice their concerns and have them genuinely heard. The firefighters had never experienced such a positive change before. Shirey acknowledged the supervisors’ ability to rebuild bridges that had long been destroyed, fostering a renewed sense of collaboration and understanding.
The sentiment was reciprocated, as board chairman Martin Garcia stated last month that the supervisors were actively working alongside the firefighters to address their concerns. However, Garcia emphasized that the board’s support was not solely focused on the firefighters, as they aimed to provide assistance and support to all employees within the district.
In a surprising turn of events, the warm relationship between Walt Disney World’s firefighters and the appointees of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is now at risk. The potential threat comes as a new district administrator reopens negotiations on a contract that had already been approved by the unionized firefighters, promising salary increases and additional manpower.
Initially, the firefighters were among the few employees who openly welcomed the DeSantis-appointed supervisors, following years of clashes with their predecessors who were perceived as being aligned with Disney. Jon Shirey, the leader of the firefighters’ union, expressed optimism and viewed the new appointments as an opportunity for a fresh start.
At recent meetings, Shirey commended the supervisors for actively engaging with the firefighters and visiting their stations across the vast Disney World property. He highlighted the significant positive changes, including transparency, open dialogue, and a genuine willingness to address their concerns.
Board chairman Martin Garcia echoed the positive sentiment, stating that the supervisors were actively working with the firefighters to resolve their issues. However, Garcia emphasized that the board’s support extended beyond the firefighters, expressing the board’s care and concern for all employees within the district.
Despite the mutual appreciation, the delay in approving the contract has led to a sense of alienation within the firefighters’ union. Last year, the union endorsed DeSantis’ gubernatorial reelection campaign, further emphasizing their support. The expired contract and understaffing concerns have been long-standing issues, with the firefighters highlighting the safety risks associated with the growing size of the theme park resort in central Florida.
Last month, the district administrator, John Classe, who had originally negotiated the new contract, was replaced by Glenton Gilzean, a DeSantis ally. Gilzean, who previously served as the president and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League, will now assume the role of district administrator with a salary of $400,000. The district has also retained Classe as a special advisor, compensating him for his continued involvement.
According to board spokesperson Alexei Woltornist, negotiations with the firefighters’ union are still ongoing, although he did not provide an explanation for why the contract was reopened despite being approved by the firefighters and first responders.
Woltornist stated in an email to The Associated Press, “Administrator Gilzean is actively working with the fire department to finalize a deal that offers a competitive compensation package and gives firefighters the resources they need to protect the public.”
No official comments have been made by representatives of the firefighters’ union regarding the contract negotiations.
While the actions of Administrator Gilzean may potentially alienate the firefighters, whose support initially lent legitimacy to the DeSantis takeover, they may also help him gain credibility with other constituencies within Disney’s governing district. Additionally, Gilzean’s approach may serve to distinguish him from his predecessor and establish himself as a capable administrator, despite being relatively untested in his new role. Richard Foglesong, a professor emeritus at Rollins College and author of the book “Married to the Mouse: Walt Disney World and Orlando,” expressed his impression of Gilzean’s handling of the situation, finding it impressive.
The appointment of DeSantis’ representatives to the Disney World governing board occurred earlier this year after a year-long dispute between the company and DeSantis. The conflict arose when Disney publicly opposed a state law banning discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in early-grade classroom lessons, a policy commonly referred to as “Don’t Say Gay.” This contentious issue has been a significant point of contention between the two parties.
In response to Disney’s opposition to a state law and their agreements with previous oversight board members, Governor DeSantis took punitive action by enacting legislation that allowed him to assume control of the district governing Walt Disney World. A new board of supervisors was appointed to oversee the provision of municipal services for the expansive theme parks and hotels. However, prior to the new board’s arrival, Disney had already made agreements with the previous oversight board members that limited the authority of the new supervisors over design and construction matters.
In retaliation, Disney filed a lawsuit against Governor DeSantis and the five-member board, seeking the invalidation of the governor’s takeover of the theme park district, as well as the actions of the oversight board, arguing that they infringed upon the company’s freedom of speech rights. Conversely, the board filed a lawsuit against Disney in state court in an attempt to maintain its control over construction and design activities within Disney World.
The district itself was established in 1967 under the administration of then-Florida Governor Claude Kirk. The legislation authorized the district to regulate land use, enforce building codes, manage wastewater treatment, control drainage, maintain utilities, and provide fire protection services within the boundaries of Walt Disney World.
This form of private governance, where designated districts manage and finance infrastructure in new communities, is not uncommon in the rapidly developing state of Florida. There are over 600 community development districts in Florida, serving a similar purpose.