Patina Group workers at Walt Disney World Resort have officially announced that they are authorizing a vote to strike over working conditions, potentially impacting several restaurants in the Italy World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT. If the vote passes, it could mark the first-ever employee strike inside a Walt Disney World Resort theme park, giving guests a rare chance to see picket lines during their visit.
During a press conference on August 26, UNITE HERE Local 737 and Patina Group workers explained that their employer “failed to make adequate progress in contract negotiations.” Walt Disney World Resort itself is not involved in these discussions; Patina Group, a subsidiary of Delaware North, operates the affected restaurants.
The EPCOT restaurants impacted by the potential strike are Tutto Italia Ristorante, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, and Via Napoli Ristorante E Pizzeria. According to the Disney World Food Alert website, if members vote in favor of a strike, the bargaining committee could authorize action anytime after the current contract expires on September 30, 2025.
Patina Group employees first unionized last year, citing what they described as “second-class working conditions” in the third-party-operated restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort. In July, the workers filed a formal complaint against the Delaware North-owned company, signaling ongoing frustration over workplace conditions.
Patina Group also manages Space 220 at EPCOT and several Disney Springs dining locations, including The Edison, Enzo’s Hideaway, Maria and Enzo’s, Morimoto Asia, and Pizza Ponte. The current strike vote does not affect these restaurants, though the official website notes “there is an active worker organizing effort” and urges guests to “stay alert for possible labor conflict.”
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The third-party employees from the Italy World Showcase Pavilion restaurants have not yet voted to strike. While the vote itself is internal, Walt Disney World Resort guests may notice some disruptions if picket lines appear after the contract expires. The Central Florida Disney park has not publicly commented on the labor negotiations.
What do you think of the Patina Group workers’ dispute? Disney Dining would love to hear your opinion in the comments!
