Disney workers in dispute with union

A battle brewing at the Mouse House. Hundreds of Disney employees are threatening to leave their union. 

In fact, Teamsters Local 385 union members say 600 costumed character performers at Disney have signed a petition threatening to cut ties with the union, citing horrible representation.

"I feel abandoned down here, like Florida doesn't matter, Orlando doesn't matter," said Stephen Davidson, Teamsters union member.

The complaints focused around what they call poor ethics and a lack of representation by union leaders.

"I feel that our local union is giving Disney everything they want and allowing them to push these members around and they've been doing it for quite some time. I mean, when Disney tells your local union that these people are no longer going to be members, that they have to leave their jobs, why would you want to be in that local?" Davidson said.

The inter-union fight now getting the attention of Teamster's President James Hoffa, who flew to Orlando last weekend to hold a hearing.

"This weekend, it really was vindication, for the last two years to see our international come down and hear our voice, to put these guys up on the stand and make them answer finally for the things that they've been doing,” Davidson said.

He hopes the hearing is an indication that change and improvement is coming.

"I would love to see them step in, place our local under trusteeship and get it cleaned up and one day hold a fair election for the members, and they can get someone they can be proud of to run this once great local," Davidson said.

In response to the complaints to the Teamster-Disney deal, Disney representatives say under the collective bargaining agreement, negotiations took place and the union agreed to the decision. 

We contacted Teamster's corporate office, but were told it would not comment on ongoing procedures. 

The local office has not responded to us.