Disney workers threaten more strikes unless firm stops building attractions in Florida - including a Guardians of the Galaxy ride and a Tron rollercoaster - in protest of the state's so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill
The upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy and Tron rollercoasters are just two projects in the pipeline at Disney World that could be delayed if employees who are protesting the company's response to
Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill get their way.
Protesters have asked the company to halt donations to politicians involved in the passage of the bill, such as Gov. Ron DeSantis -but they also want Disney to stop all 'construction and investment in the state of Florida' until the bill is repealed.
The legislation, expected to go into effect in July, would ban classroom lessons on sexuality,
gender identity and sexual orientation 'in a manner that is not age appropriate.' Critics say the open-ended language, which also prevents 'classroom discussion,' would prevent children from confiding in teachers if they feel unsafe because of their identity.
Disney employees have called out the company for not taking a stronger stance against the legislation. On Monday, CEO Bob Chapek said it was a 'mistake' to not take a stand against the bill earlier. He also promised to put together a task force to create more LGBTQ content for children.
Despite these concessions, employees still took part in a company-wide walkout on Tuesday. About 60 employees gathered in a park outside Los Angeles,
Reuters reports, and dozens of other employees walked out of their jobs at the company's studio in Burbank.
In a statement on March 11, CEO Bob Chapek said Disney needed to use its influence to 'promote' inclusive stories and added that the company would 'combat similar legislation in other states.
Going further on Monday, Chapek said Disney would put together a task force overseen by film executive Paul Roeder and Disney Parks marketing executive Lisa Becket. The task force would be in charge of making sure that more LGBTQ-awareness content is available for children.
Disney workers threaten more strikes unless firm stops building attractions in Florida | Daily Mail Online