Disney - Teamsters Local 495
Transcription
Disney - Teamsters Local 495
ww ww.tteamsters4995..org Robert M. Lennox, Secretary - Treasurer Fall 2013 Disney SPECIAL EDITION Come with us as we take a magical journey through the Happiest Place on Earth, where we will meet your Teamster brothers and sisters at every step along the way… A Message to the Members Meet our Disneyland Resort Cast Members in their Diverse Roles O ur Local union is one of the most diversified in the country, covering warehouse employees, the automotive industry, race tracks and beyond. In this issue of The Flash, you will meet your brothers and sisters who work in a place that holds special memories for most of us in Southern California: the Disneyland Resort. They really are a diversified group themselves!. You may not have realized it, but Local 495 members are the backbone that keeps the park running. From the Disney nters that supply Distribution Centers the park, to the parking lot attendants who get you from ates, to the your car to the gates, side, your trip cast members inside, rld’s premier to one of the world’s ns is truly a tourist destinations nce. Whether Teamster experience. you spend a day in Disneyland ia Adventure – Park or California iting both – the or a weekend visiting nd your magic that you and de family feel is made possible by the men and women you Page 2 will meet in this issue. One of the hallmarks of a strong union is the participation of its members, and our brothers and sisters at Disneyland embody that Teamster spirit. The many shop stewards – some of whom you will meet here – are devoted to the members. They were part of our dedicated and enthusiastic negotiating committee whose efforts made for a very successful new contract, and all of us in Local 495 can be proud of that. The more unified we are in each of our units, the more powerful the Local as a whole can become. While one of the goals of this issue is to highlight the hardworking members at the Disneyland Resort, we also want to encourage the rest of Local 495 members to take their own journeys to “The Robert M. Lennox Secretary-Treasurer, Local 495 Happiest Place on Earth.” You will enjoy a dazzling experience and also be among your Teamster brothers and sisters working as Disney cast members. Let your Local 495 fellow members in this issue guide you through the Disneyland Resort, where your childhood dreams really will come true. Come and bring your families to enjoy it all! Secretary-Treasurer Bob Lennox and President George Park are welcomed by a California Adventure cast member from Teamster Local 495. T he Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is a magical place where childhood fantasies become reality and entertainment rules the day. With two distinct theme parks – Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park – the resort features some of the most iconic attractions in American culture. Legendary rides and attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small, Small World, the Matterhorn and Space Mountain, make Disneyland a must-see destination for families from all over the world. Just next door, California Adventure opened in 2001 featuring attractions that focus on amazing wonders of the West such as the Grizzly River Run, Radiator Springs Racers and Hollywood Land. From the time you enter either theme park to the time you have to leave for the day, you will be greeted by enthusiastic Disney cast members, who do everything from driving the trolleys on Main Street USA, to operating the rides and midway games at Paradise Pier, to ferrying you to Tom Sawyer’s Island on log rafts. These dedicated Teamsters embody the lighthearted and fun-loving nature of the Disneyland Resort experience, and their friendly efforts make families want to return as often as possible. Whenever you and your families visit Disneyland Resort, remember that it is your fellow Teamsters who make all of the magic happen. Whether behind the scenes at one of two Distribution Centers providing the park with all of the necessary souvenirs, in the parking lot helping you get from your car to the parks and back, or in costume helping you inside the park, the dedicated Teamster cast members are proud to make your experience as magical as possible. So let’s get started on our journey and meet the Teamsters who help make Disneyland Resort the Happiest Place on Earth! Page 3 California Adventure Buena Vista Street Welcome to California Adventure, where you are greeted by historic 1920s Los Angeles on Buena Vista Street. Take a ride on one of the Red Car Trolleys, visit the unique Carthay Circle Theater, or enjoy a meal at one of many restaurants — before you head off to the rest of the park. “We are very happy with the new contract, and it was an honor to be able to take part in that process. It feels great to pitch in and help with the union process.” — Shawn Stengel, Shop Steward, A Bugs Land A Bug’s Land View the world through the eyes of a bug, where items you use every day appear larger than life. Based on the popular movie A Bug’s Life, this area has child-friendly attractions like Fliks Flyers, Tuck & Roll’s Drive ‘em Buggies, and Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train. Make sure you take in a viewing of It’s Tough to be a Bug! for an unforgettable 3D experience. Page 4 Cars Land Built for the speed demons inside all of us, Cars Land is the perfect place to show off your moves on the way to victory lane. Strap yourself into a vehicle from the movie Cars at Radiator Springs Racers, one of the most technically advanced slot car rides in the world. For those who shy away from speed, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s Flying Tires are exciting alternatives in Cars Land. Page 5 “I’ve worked at another theme park in Southern California that did have union representation, and I can’t tell you how big of a difference it is here. The Teamsters got us a contract that we can be proud of.” — Brian Bailey - Cars Land Grizzly Peak California — known worldwide for its majestic national parks — here offers Grizzly Peak to transport you into a beautiful wilderness. Take a thrilling ride down roaring rapids on the Grizzly River Run, or hike, climb and slide your way through the trees on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. Keep an eye out for gold, as you never know when the next Gold Rush will begin. Page 6 Hollywood Land The film industry helped make Hollywood the center of glamour and fame, and the big screen comes to life in Hollywood Land. Stroll through a Hollywood backlot – where movie magic is made – or take a terrifying plunge on the Tower of Terror. Popular treats for the kids include Monsters Inc. and interacting with Muppet characters, so this makes a perfect place for adults and their children “We are very happy with the new contract, and it was an honor to be able to take part in that process. It feels great to pitch in and help with the union process.” — Brian Freeman – Paradise Pier Paradise Pier Here’s a re-creation of the old-time coastal boardwalks around so many famous Southern California beaches. Paradise Pier, the largest theme land here, offers great adventure. More daring guests will go for the California Screamin’ roller coaster, while the kids can take a ride on Mickey’s Fun Wheel or thrill to the 3D Toy Story Midway Mania! If you stay late, watch the World of Color, a stunning hydrotechnic show performed in Paradise Bay. Bob Lennox Chief Negotiator As Chief Negotiator and CoChairman of the Disneyland Master Services Council, Bob Lennox used his vast experience in managing union issues to lead the negotiating team. “We spent a lot of time working with the negotiating committee to come up with an effective strategy,” explained Lennox, who has led every Disney negotiation since 1992. “Everyone worked very hard to make sure that the interests of their fellow cast members were kept as the highest priority. At the end of the day we can all be very happy with the new contract, and I think the overwhelmingly positive vote it received is a testament to this committee’s hard work.” The contract covers 4,200 Teamster members, both full-time employees and casual regulars, and includes solid wage increases and a company-matched 401k plan. “With no takeaways, improvements to the time off, and protections for the casual regulars, this is the best contract at Disney in recent memory,” continued Lennox. “The members work incredibly hard every day, not just for themselves, but to make sure their guests have the time of their lives. These people deserve the best, and I’m glad that the strength and unity of Teamsters Local 495 helped them get it.” Lennox began his extensive Teamsters career after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam. The year was 1973, when Lennox first joined Teamsters Local 495 while working at Cal-Custom, a specialty auto parts distributor. Within his first month of employment he was elected as Shop Steward for the group. While working days in the warehouse, Lennox attended college at night honing his skills. In 1976, Lennox became a Local 495 Business Agent, and in 1987 was elected President of the Local. He was elected to his current post of Secretary-Treasurer in 1991 and has led Local 495 through decades of success. Bob Lennox also serves the membership as Vice President of Teamsters Joint Council 42, and the Director of the Western Region of the IBT Industrial Trades Division. Page 7 Disneyland Adventureland Travel to an exotic location, far from civilization, in the remote jungles of Adventureland. Combining classic attractions like the Jungle Cruise with more modern rides like the Indiana Jones Adventure, this area invites you to another world and helps you live the life of an adventurer. Page88 Page “I love being a steward because it means I get the chance to help my fellow members. We are one big family here at Disney, and I feel the same way in the union.” Gabriel Perez – Shop Steward Adventureland Critter Country Centered around the fanfavorite Splash Mountain attraction, Critter Country is also home to Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, the only attraction at the park that is powered by you! Disney Stewards Brian Bailey – Cars Land John DiFlauro – Tower of Terror Brian Freeman – Paradise Pier Jimmy Johnson – Hollywood Land Rafael Palacio – Paradise Pier Shaw Stengel – Bug’s Land Jill Borges – Circle D Nancy Clements – Parking David Hernandez – Tomorrowland Amanda “Missy” Hunt – Cars Land Norl “Howard” King – Parking Cassandra Koon – Alternate/Circle D Ian Mackenzie – Frontierland/Adventureland Bob Ormiston – Anaheim Warehouse/Trucking Gabriel Perez – Adventureland Robert Sanchez – Main Street Lydia Surface – Parking Michael Terry – Adventureland Deirdre Tremaine – Anaheim Warehouse Ken Troklus – Innoventions Gary Ward – Anaheim Warehouse Mike Wheat – Tomorrowland Page Pa age 9 Page FANTASYLAND Relive your childhood memories in Fantasyland, where you will meet the heroes and heroines of your favorite classic Disney movies. Snow White, Pinocchio, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty reside here, as well as two of the most iconic attractions: It’s A Small World and the Matterhorn Bobsleds. “I love working at Disneyland, I come to work every day happy. All of the cast members take pride in our work, and we try and give our guests the best experience possible.” — Jill Borges – Circle D Page 10 Page 10 George Park President Fronti erl and California was once the last edge of the American frontier, where pioneers set their sights toward an unknown land. In Frontierland you can take a raft to Tom Sawyer’s Island, cruise the Rivers of America on the Mark Twain Riverboat, or revel in a show at the the Golden Horseshoe Saloon. Just be careful, rumors of Pirates on the Island persist to this day. George Park, President of Local 495, began his Teamster career at Disneyland in 1966. It was a decade after the park opened — and 50 million visitors had already come through its gates. He worked for almost 20 years at Disneyland watching the park grow in popularity and attendance. His assignments reflected the diversity of the world famous attraction: Tomorrowland, Main Street USA, Frontierland, Pirates of the Caribbean and – one of his favorites, the Jungle Cruise. “It was satisfying watching guests have fun,” reported Park, as visitors set sail for high adventure in Asia, Africa and South America during a guided tour of the world’s most remote rivers. He also supervised the parking lots, with the crew sometimes parking as many as 12,000 cars in a four-hour period. From his first days at Disneyland, George Park understood the importance of Teamster representation. He took a keen interest in union activities and served as an effective shop steward for a dozen years, taking great satisfaction in helping his fellow members. When a Business Agent’s position became vacant in 1986 Park was the logical choice. Although he was appointed President this year, Park still continues his Business Agent assignments. He served on the Disney negotiating team and he is especially proud of what he terms “the best collective bargaining agreement since 1986.” Page 11 11 Page Johnny Espinoza Business Agent Business Agent Johnny Espinoza spends most of his time on assignment with our cast members at the Disney Resort and enjoys every second of it. “I really enjoy working with our Disney members as they are wonderful people. I especially enjoy solving problems on behalf of our members and working with our great team of stewards. There’s nothing better than solving a cast member’s problem, whether it’s a discipline issue, pay matter or seniority problem, getting results for the members is what it’s all about for me. We want every cast member to know we are always here to help them.” Main Street Welcome to Disneyland Park! Modeled after the classic American Midwest town, Main Street USA turns back the clock to the days of old, when town squares, horse-drawn streetcars, and classical opera houses were the norm. A jumping off point to the rest of the park, Main Street USA also includes many shops where you can enjoy tasty treats and find the perfect Disney souvenir. Page 12 New Orleans Square New Orleans Square transports you to a land of romance and excitement. Replete with verandahs, wrought ironwork and the sounds of jazz and Dixieland in the air, you can’t help but linger and enjoy the atmosphere. With a band of pirates and a haunted antebellum mansion beckoning you, there’s no mistaking that New Orleans Square will be memorable. Mickey‛s Toontown Inspired by the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit? this area of Disneyland is a wacky place where you might swear that the buildings came straight from a cartoon. Ride on Gadget’s Go Coaster or the Car Toon Spin, or have your photo taken with Mickey, Minnie or Goofy. You never know, you might see Donald Duck as well! Page 13 As Walt Disney set his vision of the future, Tomorrowland will take you on a journey to space and back. Catch the Monorail for a tour around the park, or if you are feeling more adventurous, take a ride on Space Mountain or Star Tours. You can even descend to the underwater world of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Jim Lennox Business Agent Jim Lennox, who represents the Disneyland Resort Teamsters, praised the members for creating life long memories for all the guests visiting the parks. “The magic you feel when visiting the parks is unlike any other experience anywhere. The energy and devotion of our cast is amazing. All of the cast clearly have fun in their roles and that translates to fun for all of the thousands of families who come through daily. The fact is, without the dedication of Local 495’s membership, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure would not be one of the premier destinations in the world!” Negotiating Committee Secretary-Treasurer Bob Lennox President George Park Business Agent Jim Lennox Business Agent Johnny Espinoza Vice President and Shop Steward Bob Sanchez Trustee and Shop Steward John DiFlauro Shop Stewards Gary Ward Jill Borges Nancy Clements Brian Freeman Ian Mackenzie Gabriel Perez Lydia Surface Ken Troklus and Mike Wheat Page 17 Page 18 18 Disney Night Page 19 Distribution Center Resort Transportation Page 20 Page 21 Resort Transportation Page 22 Disney Shop Stewards Lydia Surface, Nancy Clements and Howard King RT&P (Resort Transportation & Parking) Bob Sanchez (Main Street Opera House), Mike Terry (Indiana Jones Adventure) & Gabe Perez (Indiana Jones Adventure) - Disneyland John DiFlauro, Jimmy Johnson (Tower of Terror), Shawn Stengal (Bugs) & Rafael Palacio (Paradise Pier) - Disney California Adventure Amanda “Missy” Hunt - (Carsland) - Disney California Adventure Brian Bailey – (Muppets and Carsland) - Disney California Adventure Page 23 TEAMSTERS LOCAL 495 800 S. Barranca Ave., Suite 320 Covina, CA 91723 PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Los Angeles, CA Permit No. 34694 V itt Yourr Union Visit niion W Web Si Site: Sit www.teamsters495.org www ww www.te w eamssters4 rss495 rs495 95.org 5 g All photos in this publication were shot by Shop Steward Ian Mackenzie. Ian is a professional photographer for hire. [email protected] “Local 495 members are the backbone that keeps the park running.” —Bob Lennox, Sec.-Treas. Local 495 “I’ve been a steward for a long time, but I still feel proud when we are able to negotiate great contracts. — Lydia Surface - Shop Steward, Resort Transportation Page 24