Team Members are key to making Universal the successful theme park empire that it is and in a recent letter from President & Chief Operating Officer, Universal Orlando Resort, Karen Irwin, team members will be very pleased to find out that wages are going up!
Beginning June 4, the starting base rate for Team members will be increasing to $17 per hour and not only that but Universal have also announced that many of the starting rates across the business will also be increasing. The full letter to Team members can be seen in the tweet below.
NEW: Effective June 4, Universal Orlando is increasing its starting base rate to $17 per hour. Additional starting rates across the company will also be increased.
Here is the letter from Karen Irwin, President & Chief Operating Officer, Universal Orlando Resort: pic.twitter.com/YGWE7gboen
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) February 14, 2023
As you can see, further improvements also include the elevation of the 401K match and tuition reimbursement programs, added compassionate leave, doubled parental leave, enhanced family planning benefits and ticket availability. We also see that Universal are upgrading break areas and restrooms and have plans to improve Team Member dining.
The announcement of this wage increase will certainly come as good news for Universal Team members. It leaves us to ask the inevitable question, will Disney follow suit? Well according to the tweet from reporter Scott Gustin below, Walt Disney World minimum wage is currently $15/hr and has been in place since October 2021. Disney’s offer that included a $1/hr yearly raise for the next four years has been rejected by 96% of members.
Union members said they are currently seeking a $3/hr raise. If successful that would take the hourly rate for Walt Disney World Cast members to $18/hr.
WDW min. wage is $15/hr (effective Oct. 2021). Union leaders and WDW are expected to resume negotiations tomorrow.
96% of members rejected Disney’s offer that included $1/hr raise yearly with guaranteed raises for next 4 years.
Union members said they are seeking $3/hr raise.
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) February 14, 2023
It is certainly positive news that Universal is investing in Team Members. We will keep you updated on further improvements for Universal Team Members and Walt Disney World Cast Members on our new and Facebook page.
