Disney employees are taking legal action against the company after being instructed to move across the country for a project that was ultimately scrapped.
In a class action lawsuit, these employees allege that Disney misled them when it announced plans in 2021 to build a new $1 billion campus for theme park staff in Florida. Approximately 2,000 workers in California were told to relocate or resign as a result.
However, less than two years later, Disney reversed its decision, causing significant turmoil for the affected employees. Many had uprooted their lives, incurring substantial moving costs as they sold their homes and purchased new ones based on Disney’s initial claims.
Attorney Jason Lohr, representing the workers, stated, “These individuals are truly frustrated by their situation.” Disney has chosen not to comment on the lawsuit, which was filed by current employees Maria de la Cruz and George Fong.
The company’s change of heart regarding the Lake Nona campus in 2023 coincided with Bob Iger’s return as the company’s leader, prompting a massive cost-cutting initiative. Additionally, Disney faced controversy with Florida governor Ron DeSantis, adding to the corporate roller-coaster ride involving the project.
The lawsuit indicates that Disney’s initial plans inflated home prices in the area, which suffered once the project was canceled. While some employees chose to resign instead of relocating, others opted to wait after learning of the project’s delay.
Approximately 250 individuals adhered to the company’s original relocation timeline, as outlined in the complaint. One such individual, Mr. Fong, sold his childhood home to move to Florida and now resides in a smaller house back in California.
Despite not being fairly compensated for the damages he endured, Mr. Fong agreed to the transfer due to job security concerns. Following the lawsuit’s filing in Los Angeles County Superior Court, numerous others have shown interest, according to Mr. Lohr.
