Disneyland’s restrictions could put workers at risk in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Disneyland is putting its employees’ health at risk by ignoring basic safety measures, a union said.
The Confederation of Trade Unions in Hong Kong said the group has received complaints from staff alleging that they can only drink water during their 15-minute breaks, which come just once every four hours compared with every two hours for Disney staff in the United States.
The climate is very warm and employees, especially those who have to wear cumbersome costumes, could be at risk for heat stroke and dehydration if they’re not allowed to drink water in front of customers, said a union spokesman.
Staff who work at the Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened last week, also miss out on other benefits given in the U.S. such as ‘walking time’ to allow them to get from one task to another. Women must wear a skirt and tights, whereas their American counterparts can wear trousers.
Employees also complained to the union that they aren’t allowed to dye their hair, grow it long or wear a beard.
Legislator Lee Cheuk-yan, general secretary of the union, and other union members handed out leaflets at the theme park on Sept. 10, encouraging Disney staff to set up a union to protect their labour rights.
Disney declined to comment on restrictions imposed on staff but denied mistreating workers.
The Confederation of Trade Unions in Hong Kong said the group has received complaints from staff alleging that they can only drink water during their 15-minute breaks, which come just once every four hours compared with every two hours for Disney staff in the United States.
The climate is very warm and employees, especially those who have to wear cumbersome costumes, could be at risk for heat stroke and dehydration if they’re not allowed to drink water in front of customers, said a union spokesman.
Staff who work at the Hong Kong Disneyland, which opened last week, also miss out on other benefits given in the U.S. such as ‘walking time’ to allow them to get from one task to another. Women must wear a skirt and tights, whereas their American counterparts can wear trousers.
Employees also complained to the union that they aren’t allowed to dye their hair, grow it long or wear a beard.
Legislator Lee Cheuk-yan, general secretary of the union, and other union members handed out leaflets at the theme park on Sept. 10, encouraging Disney staff to set up a union to protect their labour rights.
Disney declined to comment on restrictions imposed on staff but denied mistreating workers.
