Disney suspensions of Venezuelan workers due to loss of protected status
Orlando, Florida - Around four-dozen Venezuelan workers with temporary protection status have been placed on unpaid leave by Disney following the Supreme Court's decision to allow President Trump's administration to revoke their legal protections.
Disney announced the decision on Friday, stating it was necessary to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws. The employees, who were informed about the leave beginning May 20, will continue to receive benefits during this period.
Approximately two-thirds of the affected workers held unionized positions. According to the union contract for Disney World workers in Florida, they can be rehired without loss of seniority or benefits once they provide the necessary work authorization within a year of losing their jobs[3].
"It's very disheartening," said Julee Jerkovich, treasurer of Rama1625 of the International Union of Food and Commercial Workers. "Disney is being portrayed as the villain, but they had no other option."
Disney would have faced criticism if the workers had not been suspended, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents might have conducted raids at Disney World had the workers continued to work without proper authorization[2].
The Supreme Court's ruling, issued on Monday, suspended a federal judge's order in San Francisco that had kept TPS for Venezuelans in effect. Without providing a reason, the justices often do not provide explanations in emergency appeals[4].
The ruling could potentially expose up to 350,000 Venezuelans to deportation. TPS allows individuals already in the U.S. to live and work legally because their home countries are deemed unsafe due to natural disasters or civil unrest.
The case is the latest in a series of emergency appeals presented by the Trump administration to the Supreme Court, many of which relate to immigration and Venezuela. Earlier this month, the government requested the court to allow it to cancel humanitarian permits for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, potentially preparing them for possible deportation[4].
A coalition of Disney World unions stated, "These workers – our coworkers, friends, and neighbors – have greatly contributed to the success of The Walt Disney Company and the vibrant culture of Central Florida. No worker should have to live in fear of losing it all after building a life here."
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In light of the Supreme Court's decision, Disney's temporary leave of four dozen Venezuelan workers might not be an isolated incident, as the ruling could potentially impact up to 350,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S., exposing them to deportation if they do not provide necessary work authorization. The unions at Disney World, on the other hand, have expressed concern about this situation, stating that the workers have significantly contributed to the company's success and the local culture, and no worker should have to live in fear of losing everything after building a life within their community.
