ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Walt Disney World and the union groups that represents its performers, hotel workers, bus drivers, merchandise, attractions and food and beverage workers have reached agreements on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, the company confirmed Monday.

What You Need To Know

  • Disney World agrees with Service Trades Council, Actors Equity on COVID vaccine terms

  • Employees must provide proof of vaccination by Oct. 22, the STCU said

  • Union members may seek an exception for religious or medical conditions, the STCU said

  • If they do not comply or get an accommodation, union members will lose their positions

Walt Disney World indicated that it has come to agreements with the Service Trades Council Union and Actors Equity Association. Disney World officials said they are continuing negotiations with the other unions.

"We appreciate the communication and collaboration with the union representatives as we put the safety of our Cast Members at the forefront of our health and safety protocols — the vaccine is the best way to protect each other," a Walt Disney World spokesperson said.

In its agreement with the Service Trades Council Union, Disney will require all employees represented by the Service Trades Council Union, which represents 30,000 employees at Walt Disney World, to show proof of receiving a COVID vaccination by Oct. 22, 2021, the union group said. Employees with medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs will be eligible to apply for an accommodation through a negotiated process.

Under the terms of the agreement, prompt processing of requests for accommodation will be ensured and Disney and the union will hold weekly meetings to address concerns as they arise, as well as an explanation if any requests for accommodations are denied, according to the union group. The grievance procedure may be utilized if there are disputes regarding exceptions to the rules, the union group said in its statement.

Union members who do not comply with the vaccine requirement and do not request a legitimate accommodation will not be able to keep their positions but will have a "yes" rehire status with Disney, the STCU said.

The Service Trades Council is the largest union group at Walt Disney World but does not represent all of the company’s employees there.

Details of the agreement with the Actors Equity Association were not disclosed.

Disney will host onsite vaccine events over the next several weeks at which employees can get Pfizer vaccinations.

Greg Angel of Spectrum News 13 contributed to this report.