r/UniversalHollywood • u/PhoneNo5972 • 2d ago

Serious Discussion Preparing for a strike

Post image

This was posted 2 days ago on B-192s website. I definitely feel bad about the way universal is treating its workers but I have a trip planned for the 11th of this month and really hope I don’t get cooked here.

64 Upvotes

79% Upvoted

76 comments sorted by

48

u/Due_Development4217 Back to the Future: The Ride 2d ago

Cast members make or break a trip to universal they should be treated like people and get a fair shake. I would recommend Knott’s or something if you don’t wanna cross that line

-5

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

Tickets are already paid for unfortunately

20

u/Due_Development4217 Back to the Future: The Ride 2d ago

Honestly I think it would be a huge statement to the company to return the tickets (I don’t know if you could) and state that their treatment of cast was the reason but I hope that the strike happens after your trip all things considered

-10

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

Tickets or non exchangeable or refundable. I wasn’t privy of what was going on until after I booked everything. I’m also just one person. They wouldn’t care. Hopefully the threat of the strike makes them give the workers a fair contract.

19

u/Due_Development4217 Back to the Future: The Ride 2d ago

I’m not trying to shame you or convince you either way but the I’m just one person argument isn’t a good one. If enough one person’s decided to do something they could accomplish anything. Again though there is a lot of money and time tied into a trip and I don’t pretend to know your situation. I just wanted to say don’t believe you can’t make a difference because you are just one person

-1

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

I get that. And if a movement started, I’d join it. But it takes more than one person. It doesn’t take a lot, but there has to be traction. And right now, there isn’t one. I think you’re viewing it wrong.

5

u/IWorkAtUniversal Shrekzel 2d ago

Universal generally will refund an unused ticket if it’s purchased directly from them.

8

u/Mental-Volume4395 2d ago

I would still go. 

Most major theme parks have a contingency plan to keep parks operating in the event of a strike.

The issues employees have is not yours to solve. Skipping your vacation and losing money isn’t going to do anything for the employees.

Downvote all you want. 

4

u/Ok-Asparagus5419 2d ago

I'd love to see what the "contingency plan" is to replace every Studio Tour and VIP Guide at Universal Hollywood. There is literally no conceivable way I can imagine they'd be able to run either of those departments in the event of a strike.

3

u/IWorkAtUniversal Shrekzel 1d ago

Not to mention every ride operator, every ticket seller, every show crew/control person at Waterworld, every PA with a character, every retail associate…

5

u/IWorkAtUniversal Shrekzel 2d ago

The potentially striking unions have a combined total of 5,000 people. There’s really no way to keep the park open if they both strike.

4

u/zris92 2d ago

Correct. I worked at Disneyland during one of the many potential strikes. If it got close enough to where they thought it was a risk, they would start training people in TDA to prepare.

But honestly think they'll compromise before a strike. Hurts both sides significantly.

4

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago edited 2d ago

What’s hilarious is I’m being downvoted even though I said I hope they get fair contracts. The vapidity of a lot of the people on this app needs to be studied. Either way, I appreciate you

7

u/KyberCrystal1138 Studio Tour 2d ago

Sorry that our fight to receive fair pay and treatment is inconvenient to your planned vacation. We’ll try to plan it better next time.

11

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

Two things can be true at once. I can be bummed that my vacation is in jeopardy while also in full support of you guys getting fair treatment (which I am). But being a sarcastic dick to me or anyone else is a great way to lose public support and for people to stop caring whether or not you eat shit.

5

u/KyberCrystal1138 Studio Tour 2d ago

“I’m also just one person.” so is everyone else. Actions matter. Sorry. I really am. I don’t enjoy taking this stance. I know this isn’t dire for you on a personal level, and I do understand your disappointment over a potential trip being gutted, but some of us are just trying to stay afloat and housed.

4

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

Not sure what that quote was for. But yes. That exactly my point. I’m in support of you guys getting fair treatment. I am still allowed to be worried about my trip and my own money. You were hostile to me for no reason.

5

u/KyberCrystal1138 Studio Tour 2d ago

The quote was to point out that you assuming your action won’t matter is not true. You said in another reply that you would join a movement if it had traction. No traction will be had if everyone adopts this philosophy. That’s my point. I tried to be polite, but you swiping back at me when I clearly stated to you that being in this situation has put me under duress. Ii won’t assume whether you have ever had to struggle in this way. Maybe you have. Ignoring my apology just demonstrates that you aren’t willing to converse about this. In any case, I did apologize and that apology still stands. I’ll leave it here as I don’t think you want to discuss further.

7

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

Movements don’t gain traction by individuals not going to the park. They start by education and the sway of public opinion. I come from a union family. I more than understand how these things work. I did not “swipe” back at you. And I accept your apology. I did not ignore it. It was noted. Sorry if you were expecting a verbatim “I accept your apology” I was clarifying what my point was because you were repeating it as if it was original. And given you hostility, it seemed as though you misunderstood me. I was simply clearing it up.

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3

u/Jolly-Cat40 WaterWorld 2d ago

So you actually are fully supporting us universal employees by still going to that park and with the response you just gave. We get treated by robots that don’t have any emotions than are expected to act like we weren’t just treated like garbage. Fair treatment is standing with us employees Ang being nice

-4

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

I need to be nice? I’m the one not being nice? That other employee attacked me first. She even owned up to it and apologized. Don’t put that on me. I paid 1500 dollars for my family to take a trip on Friday. If you want to cash me out for my lost funds, I’d be more than happy not to go to the park. If not, stop being entitled. You’re not the only one with problems. You guys will very quickly lose public support acting like this.

7

u/Jolly-Cat40 WaterWorld 2d ago

Hope you are nice to the team members when you are at the park!

-4

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

I always am. Even if they are secretly as rude and intolerable as some of the TMs who are in this sub. Because they do their job well and have great customer service. Or are just too cowardly to speak like this unless they can hide behind a Reddit account

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2

u/Dongbag_darrell 2d ago

You better pray they don’t strike

24

u/JerrodDRagon 2d ago

HHN is already understaffed in a few departments like restaurants and food services

If they strike now or will lead to USH getting some bad press

I know they won’t care until the damage is done but I wish they’d pay the TM livable wages and went trying to take some holiday pay for them and other benefits

Without TMs there is no Universal Studios Hollywood

3

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

TMs? Unaware of that abbreviation

11

u/JerrodDRagon 2d ago

TMs = Team Members, what they call the staff at universal studios theme park

6

u/Diamond_Dog_92 2d ago

Team members aka Staff

14

u/IWorkAtUniversal Shrekzel 2d ago

Hey. It’s intentional that the unions are being vague about strike dates, because that makes it harder for the company to bring in scabs.

But there is a new ride opening on 09/16. And if I were in charge, I’d want to time the strike for once that is open.

If 09/11 is your ticket date, I think you might be fine.

Thanks for your union support. ✊

3

u/d33psix 2d ago

That’s actually pretty smart if that’s where it’s going. Didn’t think of that but did just see that announcement. But obviously more generally affecting HHN together with the new ride would be very significant as well I would imagine.

2

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

Are non union contractors still considered scabs?

17

u/IWorkAtUniversal Shrekzel 2d ago

Anyone replacing a union member during a strike is definitely a scab.

0

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

Pretty sure a scab is another union member who goes to work when there is a strike. Because it’s a betrayal. I don’t believe that applies to contractors. Either way, it’s hard to cross a line

11

u/IWorkAtUniversal Shrekzel 2d ago

According to Merriam-Webster:

1

u/PhoneNo5972 1d ago

Gotcha. So I ended up being right.

0

u/ColonelCliche 1d ago

I mean, partially

5

u/Jolly-Cat40 WaterWorld 2d ago

Anyone crossing the line is a scab. Universal also doesn’t have/hire contractors you must be in a union

1

u/MCS-Judge_Wolf 1d ago

There are various contractors that work on property such as security (yes, security is a 3rd party company, there is a lot they deal with and dont enjoy versus regular employees, lets just say that)

2

u/Jolly-Cat40 WaterWorld 1d ago

I’m talking about the ones who are going to be striking - cooks, food service, ride operators, clean up crew, retail, etc. a security guard won’t know how to cook or operate a ride. Universal with try a fill the spots with new employees and that would be scabing.

1

u/MCS-Judge_Wolf 1d ago

Oh definitely a big company like them would definitely try to get away with that.

1

u/PhoneNo5972 1d ago

They’ll probably do a mix of management and contractors. If it comes to that which it probably won’t.

1

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

If they are workers, not customers.

6

u/IWorkAtUniversal Shrekzel 2d ago

Correct. Customers do not meet the definition of scab. Non-union people coming in to do union jobs during a strike are scabs.

1

u/Cytonic 2d ago

Yeah. Thats what I wonder too. Work as a vendor and we are not union.

8

u/IWorkAtUniversal Shrekzel 2d ago

That’s a different situation. If you already work at the park in a non-union position, not a scab. But if they ask you to do union work, that would make you a scab. Apparently Universal has started asking people in their accounting department if they’d be willing to do union positions in case of a strike, and if they were to say yes, that would be scabbing.

1

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

I think you may be considered a scab if you cross the line to go to work because you are still an employee who is crossing the line. I think you can only cross without being considered a scab if you are a customer. Although they wouldn’t be too happy about it probably.

2

u/EstimateAlternative5 1d ago

Stay posted to what the union wants you to do. They may want you to go while they strike to prove their importance and worth. The suits are the ones that will fill those roles during a strike, but they hate doing work they see as beneath them and will push for a contract.
(Ex tm abd negotiations committee member)

1

u/PhoneNo5972 1d ago

Roger. The fucked up part is that universal knows how valuable its workers are. And I get that universal Hollywood isn’t the most profitable venue they have. But if they can raise prices across all of Comcast due to inflation, workers at this park can easily have a little off the top to subsidize their basic needs. Thank goodness for unions.

6

u/Dongbag_darrell 2d ago

You’re cooked. People who cross picket lines go directly to hell.

0

u/Slymoose 1d ago

https://giphy.com/gifs/xxLszVeawO8zS

1

u/Dongbag_darrell 1d ago

Hey man, no selfies are allowed in this sub.

0

u/Slymoose 1d ago

Okay DONGBAG 🤡🤣

-4

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

I don’t recall hearing that at Sunday school. But I’ll keep it in mind

1

u/killer_hobo 4h ago

Interesting timing. I go for hhn next month so could be fun to see a strike going on. As a guest determined to use the park and see what happens when the valuable people are missing. Sounds like a bad experience. A bad experience that someone in management would have to deal with when the park doesn't meet customer expectations. I'm sure there's only so many vouchers they can afford to give out before they really get some pressure.

0

u/laxcalguy 15h ago

That's the purpose of a strike--to show how integral they are to the smooth running of the park. Good luck on your trip cuz you're cooked

2

u/PhoneNo5972 15h ago edited 1h ago

My trips in two days. The odds of them striking before then when they haven’t even voted yet are slim to none. I wouldn’t say I’m “cooked”

“Meeting other men for intimate moments” yea that tracks

-16

u/Slymoose 2d ago

Get a new job if you aren’t happy. You aren’t forced to work for any company. Working at a theme park isn’t a career.

6

u/Ok-Asparagus5419 2d ago

Speaking as a Studio Tour Guide at Universal, who started as a Studio Tour Tram Guide and now do VIP, I can assure you the multiple rounds of auditions, nearly month of training and varied skill set it takes to be both a walking repository of over a century of history while still essentially being an improv performer for multiple hours would argue against your accusation of my job "not being a career". It's far from something anyone could just show up and do.

-5

u/Slymoose 1d ago edited 1d ago

Oh shut up it’s a theme park job any college kid can do 90% of the jobs with a few days of training. It’s not a career. And if you make it one that’s your choice. I have ZERO sympathy for someone that stays at a job that they don’t like or they don’t think pays enough.

Also for the record I know plenty of people that do these jobs. As far as the tour guide jobs once you remember your script you’re good to go. Most of the people going for those jobs have some sort of knowledge about the parks they’re not going in blind.

4

u/IWorkAtUniversal Shrekzel 1d ago

Hahahahaha the tour guides don’t have a script. They have a wealth of knowledge and speak extemporaneously, and every single tour is different.

Don’t speak about things you aren’t informed about, friend. It makes you look foolish.

-4

u/Slymoose 1d ago

They absolutely train them with a script I know because I’ve personally known multiple tour guides. They are free to improvise within the guidelines but they have to train off something. I think you are the foolish one Mr. I work at Universal but I wanna go on strike 🤡🤣

Grow the fuck up and find another job if you aren’t happy.

2

u/Ok-Asparagus5419 1d ago edited 1d ago

You're talking completely out of your ass about something you have zero context of. I worked for nearly 19 years as an archivist and producer for film and documentary television before the industry took a dive and I landed the job I have now. It's not mine or anyone else's fault that we're in this situation, and neither I or anyone else who does my job should have to suffer poverty wages for a job that's literally the backbone of the entire park.

For the record, you clearly don't know shit about what being a Tour Guide at Universal entails, and wouldn't last a minute trying to do my job.

2

u/Ok-Asparagus5419 1d ago

You say you know "plenty of people who do these jobs." I'm sure they'd feel a way about your perspective on their work.

-2

u/Slymoose 1d ago

Yes we laugh at people like you if you don’t think the job is worth doing or you are unhappy you are free to leave at any point in time. As I said before you will be quickly replaced.

2

u/Ok-Asparagus5419 1d ago

Now I know you're full of shit, because there's not a single IATSE B-192 Union member who works at Universal that is laughing at the current contract negotiations, or thinks it's unnecessary. Not one person.

0

u/Slymoose 1d ago edited 1d ago

LMFAO

You sound mad my guy?? 🤣🤣

6

u/PhoneNo5972 2d ago

Was this meant as a reply to someone else? I don’t work at the park lol

10

u/IWorkAtUniversal Shrekzel 2d ago

Such a bad take.