A Disney spokesperson has responded to questions regarding Disneyland cast member working conditions in response to scathing criticism from Disney family heiress Abigail Disney:

“We generally avoid commenting on such baseless reports like this, but this one is particularly egregious and we won’t let this stand. We strongly disagree with this characterization of our employees and their experience at Disney. This widely reported stunt is a gross and unfair exaggeration of the facts that is not only a misrepresentation, but also an insult to the thousands of employees who are part of the Disney community. We continually strive to enhance the employment experience of our more than 200,000 employees through a variety of benefits and programs that provide them opportunity, mobility and well-being. At our parks in Orlando and Anaheim, The Walt Disney Company currently pays its hourly workers an average of $19.50 an hour, significantly above the federal minimum wage. But we understand the challenges workers and families face in 2019 are complex and go beyond the paycheck. That’s why we provide a wide range of benefits and initiatives to improve our employees’ lives at and outside of work: from subsidized childcare to generous leave policies, from convenient access to pharmacies and clinics to free college degrees and vocational training programs for hourly employees. We recognize the economic challenges facing all working families. And we continually meet with our employees in the process of developing even stronger programs. Still, we’re proud of the work we’ve done to improve the lives of our employees, and of the more than 45,000 jobs we’ve added in the United States since 2005. The men and women who make Disney parks such a special experience for millions of people are dedicated, hardworking and proud, and we will continue to listen to, empower and reward them. That’s what this company has done throughout its history and will continue to do in the future.”

Abigail Disney claims to have investigated Disneyland worker conditions after receiving a Facebook message from a theme park cast member who said employees have to “forage for food in other people’s garbage,” according to an interview with Yahoo.

Abigail Disney said she found Disneyland cast members struggling to make ends meet during a recent undercover visit to the Anaheim theme park, according to Yahoo.

“I went to Anaheim, and I wanted to be sure I understood the situation and the context really, really well,” Abigail Disney told Yahoo. “I was so livid when I came out of there because, you know, my grandfather taught me to revere these people that take your tickets, that pour your soda.”

Abigail Disney has frequently spoken out about Iger’s $66 million salary from Disney, criticising the “insane” wage gap between the Disney CEO and the average company employee.

“Bob needs to understand that he is an employee just the same as the people scrubbing gum off the sidewalk are employees, and they’re entitled to the same dignity and human rights that he is,” Abigail Disney told Yahoo.

Abigail Disney said her emails to Iger about Disney worker compensation and working conditions had received no response. Until now.

Disney officials told CNN that the company pays workers above the federal minimum wage and that the median employee salary is $46,127. The company also touted the $150 million Disney Aspire program that funds college education for employees.

The truth may be somewhere in the middle. But, for an entry level job for most workers, Disneyland average starting wage of $15+ is far above the local average, and Disney’s career development opportunities are a step up for many who otherwise would not have those options.

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