Catherwood LibraryILR School

The Teamsters local representing thousands of workers at Walt Disney World is beset by inner turmoil as negotiations begin between the resort and its workers over wage increases. Many members of Teamsters Local 385, which represents the costumed characters at Disney World, are compiling a roster of opposition candidates in advance of the local's leadership vote this fall. Members are upset with local president Clay Jeffries' refusal to reveal details regarding the union's finances, and have accused him of bypassing the Teamsters' executive committee to give himself a large raise. The election will be the first "in recent memory" in which an incumbent Teamsters president has faced opposition. In addition the timing potentially weakens the overall negotiating strength of the six unions representing over 70,000 workers at Disney World as they enter negotiations with the resort.