ORLANDO, Fla.,None — Disney and the union representing 20,000 of its workers headed back to the bargaining table on Friday. Late Friday afternoon, the union announced that "mediation concluded with the Company requesting more time to review a portion of the Union's latest proposal."
It was the second time Disney and a group of six unions have met with a federal mediator since union members voted down Disney's first offer in October. If the two sides can't reach a new contract, those workers could vote to strike.
Negotiations have been stalled for months and the talks could come down to a dime in some cases.
Disney workers earn from $8 to roughly $20 per hour. Disney is offering a 25-cent pay raise to workers on the lower end of the pay scale, but they want 35 cents.
Walt Disney World Resorts told its workers' unions that the company has made its final and best contract offer. Now, both sides are turning to federal negotiators to help end the stalemate.
"We do believe we're being nickled and dimed," said Ed Chambers, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
Chambers is part of the Service Trades Council, a group of six unions that represent more than 20,000 full- time workers. The group wants more than Disney has offered.
"It's not like we, that the company can't afford to give us the extra few cents. It's there. We know it's there," Disney employee Travis Joyner said.
The company has proposed an immediate $550 bonus, plus three incremental pay raises, starting in April. But, the deal would also raise health insurance premiums. It would cost $38 per week for a family, or $12 per week for a single employee.
That offer was rejected.
Union leaders said they could still take the same offer from Disney back to their members for a second vote.
Union members hope to reach an acceptable compromise to avoid a strike. They could also vote to authorize a strike, but that could be a bargaining tactic at this point.
"No, a strike is not the answer here," Chambers said. "But we can't be afraid to threaten it or do it if necessary."
In order for a strike to happen, each Disney employee union would have to hold a vote, according to officials. A strike would have to be approved by at least two-thirds of the members.
With the request for more time, the employee contract has been extended through February 17, 2011.