Tensions between Universal Studios Hollywood food-service workers and management have been spilling over amid contract negotiations that have stretched on for about a year, as the two sides remain deep in talks. During a period of skyrocketing prices in the U.S., Unite Here Local 11, representing some 1,700 food cart, bakery, restaurant and warehouse workers at the park, is negotiating for higher wages and changes to scheduling practices. When talks were floundering in the past month, the union circulated the sobering results of an internal survey that offers a window into the experience of its workers over the past few years. According to that report, union members are facing food and housing insecurity while their working hours are being cut, exacerbating the problem.
But that workers making and selling the park’s Butterbeer Ice Cream and Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots are reporting skipping meals, unfortunately, isn’t a new finding. Two years ago, during contract negotiations involving two park unions, including Unite Here Local 11, The Hollywood Reporter reported on widespread poverty among these park workers. According to the union and some of its members who spoke again with THR, not much has changed — even as they hope that a new deal could help that situation. “Honestly, I don’t want to worry about what do I got to eat next? Where do I got to live next?” says Diego Rodriguez.
In a statement in response to these claims, a Universal spokesperson says, “Universal Studios Hollywood has a long history of working collaboratively with our labor partners to reach comprehensive wage and benefits agreements, including most recently with IATSE Local B-192, which represents more than 4,000 employees in similar guest service positions as Unite HERE Local 11.”
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