Musician's Union and Walt Disney World agree on represented Cast Members beginning furlough on April 19

Disney and the American Federation of Musicians Local 389 have agreed to begin a temporary furlough for its represented Cast Members beginning April 19 2020 - the first agreement for furlough of unionized Cast Members at Walt Disney World.

The union, which represents hourly musicians who perform at the Walt Disney World theme parks, has said the agreement maintains health insurance benefits coverage, educational support and additional employee assistance.

The main unions which represent thousands of Cast Members from character performers to bus drivers, are still in negotiations with Disney.  A recent update from UNITE HERE Central Florida said "Union Leaders continue to meet and negotiate with Disney Management on a daily basis. We are working hard to ensure we secure an Agreement with Disney that gives Cast Members the most security and stability possible in a time that has so many uncertainties. Disney has proposed a furlough beginning April 19 of all Union represented Cast Members. We are focused on securing medical insurance during the furlough, ensuring that thousands of Disney Cast Members are not dumped into an already broken Florida Unemployment Insurance system, and that Disney Cast Members are not impacted in a negative way because of the Disney property closure."

Disney and previously announced that beginning April 19 2020, furlough will begin for executive, salaried and non-union hourly Cast Members based in the U.S. with the exception of those who's roles or projects are crucial to maintaining operations during the closures.