Disney World Restaurant Workers Press for Freeze on Patina Deals After Union Vote

The push seeks a living‑wage floor for third‑party restaurant staff facing lower pay plus higher health costs than Disney cast members.

Overview

UNITE HERE Local 737, which held a worker vote Thursday, authorized further action and urged Disney to pause new Patina contracts until a “Gold Standard” labor deal sets a living‑wage floor.
Patina Restaurant Group, a Delaware North subsidiary, runs high‑profile venues on Disney property including Space 220, Via Napoli, The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s, and Enzo’s Hideaway.
Workers say a two‑tier system leaves Patina staff with lower starting wages and pricier, less comprehensive healthcare than employees at Disney‑owned restaurants doing similar jobs.
Patina said it will keep negotiating, and Disney has not announced a freeze, which leaves the door open to summer service disruptions at Patina locations if talks fail.
Workers cite Disney’s $9 billion parks revenue in Q2 2026 and a planned $60 billion expansion as they argue rising Orlando housing and insurance costs make current third‑party pay unsustainable.