Disney $1,000 bonus has strings attached, union says

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The Walt Disney Company announced last month it would give $1,000 bonuses to employees, because of the recent tax cut legislation passed by the Republican-led Congress.  Now, some union leaders representing those say that money comes with strings attached --  that Disney won't hand over the bonuses, until after contract negotiations are completed.

The two sides have been going back and forth for months on a raise increase.  The unions turned down one Disney's offer for a 50-cent-per-hour raise.  Union leaders say Disney is offering up the same proposal again, and saying that around 38,000 employees will not get the bonus, unless members agree to it by August 31. 

"We're not fish, and that bonus is not bait," says Diego Henry, a Disney employee.  "We're people, and we have families that we got to take care of, and were working for this company, not just to make magic for other people's families, but our own. And we deserve better."

In a statement, Disney replied, "Our offer to increase pay by 6 to 10 percent over the next two years reflects our ongoing commitment to our Cast Members. Wages and bonuses are part of our negotiation process. We will continue to meet with the union to move toward a ratified agreement."