Employees Claim Misrepresentation Led to Financial Losses
A group of Disney workers are suing their employer, alleging they were misled into relocating from California to Florida for a new office campus that was ultimately scrapped. The lawsuit highlights the fallout from a public feud between Disney and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Promise of New Campus Led to California Exodus
In July 2021, Disney Parks executives informed California employees of plans to consolidate teams at a new, state-of-the-art campus in Orlando. The move, they argued, would foster collaboration and offer a more affordable cost of living compared to Southern California. The lawsuit claims Disney used this financial incentive, along with the promise of a modern workplace, to pressure employees into relocating.
Employees Uprooted Lives, Some Facing Financial Strain
Many workers, including lead plaintiffs Maria De La Cruz and George Fong, were hesitant to relocate due to family ties and concerns about disruption. However, the lawsuit alleges Disney’s approach created a situation where refusing the move could lead to job loss. Fearing termination, some employees, including Fong who sold his childhood home, uprooted their lives and purchased new properties in Florida.
Delayed Opening, Political Dispute Cast Doubt
By late 2021, with significant resistance from California workers, Disney delayed the Orlando campus opening and offered relocation postponements. However, the lawsuit alleges continued pressure to move by 2024. This period coincided with a growing public feud between Disney and Governor DeSantis, stemming from the company’s opposition to a Florida law restricting classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity. DeSantis retaliated by restructuring Disney World’s governing board, replacing Disney-friendly appointees with his own picks.
Lawsuit Seeks Compensation for Financial Losses
The lawsuit seeks unspecified economic and punitive damages for the financial losses incurred by the plaintiffs due to Disney’s alleged misrepresentation. The lawsuit also highlights the situation of other employees who may have been forced to settle for less desirable housing upon returning to California.
