In Turnabout, Disney Cancels Tech Worker Layoffs

[Live and Learn]

By JULIA PRESTONJUNE 16, 2015

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/17/us/in-turnabout-disney-cancels-tech-worker-layoffs.html?smid=nytcore-ipad-share&smprod=nytcore-ipad&_r=0

The Labor Department said last week that it had opened an investigation into two outsourcing companies, Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys, for work they did for Southern California Edison, a power utility. It also referred complaints to the Justice Department for a separate inquiry. Senator Bill Nelson, Democrat of Florida, has called for an investigation of the H-1B visa program.

snip

The tech employees he knew who had been required to train foreign replacements had “routinely sacrificed personal time and freedoms to help make your experience what it was” in the theme parks, he wrote. Their skills were adequate for the broad reorganization of its technology operations Disney had announced, he said. “Any skill situation could have been addressed by repositioning and/or training existing staff,” Mr. Barrett wrote.

In New York and Burbank, the layoffs announced on May 28 would have affected employees in charge of developing and maintaining internal systems. Since the layoffs were rescinded, employees have not received any new information from managers, several of them said.

Disney executives have said the reorganization that led to the Orlando layoffs had resulted in an overall increase of 70 technology jobs and the rehiring of some people who were laid off. Kim Prunty, a Disney spokeswoman, said outside contractors “are required to comply with all applicable employment laws.”

[Omaha Steve]

1. ...

[Live and Learn]

2. It is great news. And thanks to you for all you do.

I just want you to know that your posts and advocacy for workers rights mean the world to me. And I do pass them on to others.

As a long time admirer, my best to you and Marta!

[Gothmog]

3. This is great news

[closeupready]

4. Good. Glad to hear this.

K&R

[Baitball Blogger]

5. Finally.

This is a start in staving off the bleeding.

[jeff47]

6. The headline is misleading.

The layoffs in FL that got all the attention are still happening. People in Orlando are still being required to train their H1B replacements.

These are other layoffs Disney was going to do at other locations. They are "on hold". And will happen when there is less attention on Disney.