Third party workers at EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion restaurants can now wear union buttons on shift after an arbitrator ruled the Patina Restaurant Group violated workers’ rights by banning them. The decision represents a small victory in an ongoing labor dispute at Tutto Italia, Tutto Gusto, and Via Napoli.
What Happened to Thrid Party Cast Members
In late February 2026, some union workers at the Italy Pavilion began wearing buttons signifying their membership in UNITE HERE Local 737, the union representing workers from Walt Disney World Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, and Patina Restaurant Group.
The following day, workers were instructed to remove the buttons or be sent home. Management’s directive sparked immediate conflict between the company and unionized staff over what workers viewed as their fundamental right to display union membership.
The Ruling
A neutral arbitrator determined that Patina Group’s demand to remove the buttons violated both the workers’ union contract and the National Labor Relations Act, which protects workers’ rights to engage in union activities and display union insignia.
Workers are now free to wear the buttons at their discretion without fear of being sent home or facing disciplinary consequences.
Tutto Italia server and union leader Giandomenico Cardellini responded to the decision: “Wearing our union button is our fundamental right as workers. Patina Group workers in the Italy Pavilion stick together, so I will proudly put my union button back on!”
The Broader Third Party Context
The button dispute is one flashpoint in a larger conflict between Patina Restaurant Group and its unionized workers that has escalated since late 2025.
Workers are currently negotiating for a new contract that includes:
- $8 raises over three years
- Free family health insurance
- Improved pension
- 20% automatic gratuity
In December 2025, supporters and members of UNITE HERE Local 737 held a rally and march demanding better conditions for Patina Group workers, including a fair process for organizing at non-union Patina restaurants at Disney Springs.
Workers reached a breaking point in October 2025, moving toward a strike that would have disrupted EPCOT dining during the busy Food & Wine Festival. The strike was averted through legal and contractual measures, but workers alleged they faced intimidation tactics.
Political Pressure
The labor dispute has drawn attention from Central Florida Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost and State Representative Anna Eskamani, who have called on Disney to investigate the business practices of its third-party vendors.
The scrutiny focuses on allegations regarding working conditions, fair wages, and the right to organize at restaurants operated by Patina Restaurant Group, a subsidiary of hospitality giant Delaware North.
Patina operates some of EPCOT’s highest-traffic dining locations, including the three restaurants in the Italy Pavilion and Space 220.
Disney’s Position on Third Party Operators
Disney has historically maintained a hands-off approach to third-party operators, treating them as independent businesses. However, politicians argue that guests view these as Disney restaurants. This places a responsibility on Disney to ensure its partners meet the same standards.
The political pressure puts Disney in a difficult position. Intervening risks upsetting a lucrative partnership with Delaware North. While staying silent risks appearing complicit in alleged union-busting tactics.
Next Steps for Third Party Spaces
The union of Patina Group employees at the Italy Pavilion will continue negotiations on March 25, 2026, when workers and management return to the bargaining table to discuss contract demands.
The arbitrator’s ruling strengthens the union’s position by establishing that workers’ legally protected rights will be enforced, potentially providing leverage in upcoming negotiations.
Guest Impact
Labor tensions at these restaurants can affect guest experiences. When workers face wage struggles and hostile environments, service quality often suffers. Understaffed or demoralized kitchens impact the authentic Italian experience guests expect when paying premium prices.
The Patina Restaurant Group has defended its practices, stating it provides competitive wages and values employees. However, the volume of complaints and high-profile political intervention suggest the dispute won’t be resolved quickly.
For now, workers have won the right to wear their union buttons. A small but symbolically important victory in a much larger fight for better working conditions.
