You've Got Questions, I've Got Answers, Part 5

The fourth batch of questions relating to Disneyland and Walt Disney Productions, as posed by Disneyland employees in 1972 and published in the June 30, 1972 Disneyland Line. More details can be found in Part 1.

QUESTION: Can anything be done to improve the relations between the Security Department and Disneyland employees in general?

ANSWER: The Security Department has held meetings with their manager, supervisors, and all permanent employees to discuss - in length - all questions pertaining to Security that were asked at the "Disneyland Report."

Discussions in these meetings were centered around how security can come up with better ways to improve their operation.

Security employees talked about any problems they were faced with, and hopefully, relations between Security and Disneyland employees will improve, noticeably. Security officers need love too, and an understanding on our part of what they do every day, will help us all. It's a two-way street and we all have to use it.

QUESTION: "Why aren't supervisors more familiar with the 'Standard Practice Instruction Manual' (SPI)? Because of their lack of knowledge, employees are misinformed, creating an unnecessary amount of dissension and ill will."

ANSWER: You make a very good point. All Disneyland supervision either have SPI manuals or have ready access to one. It is unlikely that each supervisor will know all that is contained in the manual. They can, however, refer to it when necessary to answer specific questions when they come up. If you have any occasion to be unsure about an answer given by your supervisor, ask him if you can review it with him in the SPI Manual. If there is any reason for a more detailed explanation, you may also verify information with Fred Newcomb - Employee Relations Manager at EXT 352.

QUESTION: "Why is not the union or management concerned at the low starting rate for seasonal part-time workers? They work during the Park's most trying and frustrating summer and holiday periods when conditions are most difficult."

ANSWER: Disneyland periodically checks the casual/seasonal start rate for student part-time work with what other companies in the community are paying for similar job activities. With this information, we make every effort to insure that we are paying fair rates.

Seasonal employees also receive progression increases when certain length of service terms are satisfied. A seasonal employee who is on our payroll prior to August 1st and remains through two weeks after Labor Day and is available for work prior to June 10 of the following summer season will receive a 5¢ per hour increase at the time he returns for the new season.

Also, seasonal employees who are on the payroll by July 1 will receive a 5¢ per hour increase on August 1 if they are still on the payroll at that time. This increase pattern continues until the total of 15¢ over the start rate is reached, provided the above conditions are continually met.

In addition, an employee has the potential to become permanent, and within a two-year period go to the top of the rate for his occupation.

QUESTION: "As most ideas and suggestions come from those working on the job in the maintenance shops, many ideas have been used without recognition (some believe supervision gets the credit), therefore, many ideas are withheld. It would be to everyone's advantage if a selection and reward system were set up and employees encouraged to cooperate."

ANSWER: We have used a "Creative Idea" suggestion program in one of our operating divisions and found it to be successful. The individual submitting the idea is told whether or not his idea will be adopted, and the copy of the letter - recognizing he has submitted an idea - is placed in his file in the Personnel office. We are presently looking into the possibilities of making this creative idea program a company-wide operation.