Disney - Teamsters Local 495

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ww.tteamsters4995..org
Robert M. Lennox, Secretary - Treasurer
Fall 2013
Disney
SPECIAL EDITION
Come with us as we take a magical journey through the
Happiest Place on Earth, where we will meet your Teamster
brothers and sisters at every step along the way…
A Message to the Members
Meet our Disneyland
Resort Cast Members
in their Diverse Roles
O
ur Local union is one
of the most diversified
in the country, covering
warehouse employees, the
automotive industry, race
tracks and beyond. In this
issue of The Flash, you will
meet your brothers and sisters
who work in a place that holds
special memories for most
of us in Southern California:
the Disneyland Resort. They
really are a diversified group
themselves!.
You may not have realized
it, but Local 495 members are
the backbone that keeps the
park running. From the Disney
nters that supply
Distribution Centers
the park, to the parking lot
attendants who get you from
ates, to the
your car to the gates,
side, your trip
cast members inside,
rld’s premier
to one of the world’s
ns is truly a
tourist destinations
nce. Whether
Teamster experience.
you spend a day in Disneyland
ia Adventure –
Park or California
iting both – the
or a weekend visiting
nd your
magic that you and
de
family feel is made
possible by
the men and
women you
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will meet in this issue.
One of the hallmarks of a
strong union is the participation
of its members, and our brothers
and sisters at Disneyland embody
that Teamster spirit. The many
shop stewards – some of whom
you will meet here – are devoted
to the members. They were part
of our dedicated and enthusiastic
negotiating committee whose
efforts made for a very successful
new contract, and all of us in Local
495 can be proud of that. The more
unified we are in each of our units,
the more powerful the Local as a
whole can become.
While one of the goals of this
issue is to highlight the hardworking members at the
Disneyland Resort, we
also want to encourage
the rest of Local 495
members to take their
own journeys
to “The
Robert M. Lennox
Secretary-Treasurer, Local 495
Happiest Place on Earth.” You
will enjoy a dazzling experience
and also be among your Teamster
brothers and sisters working as
Disney cast members.
Let your Local 495 fellow
members in this issue guide you
through the Disneyland Resort,
where your childhood dreams really
will come true. Come and bring
your families to enjoy
it all!
Secretary-Treasurer Bob Lennox and President George Park are welcomed by a California Adventure cast member from Teamster Local 495.
T
he Disneyland Resort in
Anaheim is a magical place
where childhood fantasies
become reality and entertainment
rules the day. With two distinct
theme parks – Disneyland Park
and California Adventure Park
– the resort features some of
the most iconic attractions in
American culture.
Legendary rides and attractions
such as Pirates of the Caribbean,
It’s a Small, Small World, the
Matterhorn and Space Mountain,
make Disneyland a must-see
destination for families from all
over the world. Just next door,
California Adventure opened in
2001 featuring attractions that
focus on amazing wonders of the
West such as the Grizzly River
Run, Radiator Springs Racers and
Hollywood Land.
From the time you enter either
theme park to the time you have
to leave for the day, you will be
greeted by enthusiastic Disney cast
members, who do everything from
driving the trolleys on Main Street
USA, to operating the rides and
midway games at Paradise Pier,
to ferrying you to Tom Sawyer’s
Island on log rafts. These dedicated
Teamsters embody the lighthearted
and fun-loving nature of the
Disneyland Resort experience, and
their friendly efforts make families
want to return as often as possible.
Whenever you and your
families visit Disneyland Resort,
remember that it is your fellow
Teamsters who make all of the
magic happen. Whether behind the
scenes at one of two Distribution
Centers providing the park with all
of the necessary souvenirs, in the
parking lot helping you get from
your car to the parks and back, or
in costume helping you inside the
park, the dedicated Teamster cast
members are proud to make your
experience as magical as possible.
So let’s get started on our
journey and meet the Teamsters
who help make Disneyland Resort
the Happiest Place on Earth!
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California Adventure
Buena Vista Street
Welcome to California Adventure, where you are
greeted by historic 1920s Los Angeles on Buena
Vista Street. Take a ride on one of the Red Car
Trolleys, visit the unique Carthay Circle Theater,
or enjoy a meal at one of many restaurants —
before you head off to the rest of the park.
“We are very happy with the new contract, and it was
an honor to be able to take part in that process. It feels
great to pitch in and help with the union process.”
— Shawn Stengel, Shop Steward, A Bugs Land
A Bug’s Land
View the world through the eyes of a bug, where items you use every day appear larger
than life. Based on the popular movie A Bug’s Life, this area has child-friendly attractions
like Fliks Flyers, Tuck & Roll’s Drive ‘em Buggies, and Heimlich’s Chew Chew Train. Make
sure you take in a viewing of It’s Tough to be a Bug! for an unforgettable 3D experience.
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Cars Land
Built for the speed demons inside all of us, Cars
Land is the perfect place to show off your moves
on the way to victory lane. Strap yourself into a
vehicle from the movie Cars at Radiator Springs
Racers, one of the most technically advanced slot
car rides in the world. For those who shy away from
speed, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and Luigi’s
Flying Tires are exciting alternatives in Cars Land.
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“I’ve worked at another theme park
in Southern California that did have
union representation, and I can’t
tell you how big of a difference it
is here. The Teamsters got us a
contract that we can be proud of.”
— Brian Bailey - Cars Land
Grizzly Peak
California — known worldwide for its majestic national
parks — here offers Grizzly Peak to transport you
into a beautiful wilderness. Take a thrilling ride down
roaring rapids on the Grizzly River Run, or hike, climb
and slide your way through the trees on the Redwood
Creek Challenge Trail. Keep an eye out for gold, as
you never know when the next Gold Rush will begin.
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Hollywood Land
The film industry helped
make Hollywood the center
of glamour and fame, and
the big screen comes to life
in Hollywood Land. Stroll
through a Hollywood backlot – where movie magic is
made – or take a terrifying
plunge on the Tower of
Terror. Popular treats for
the kids include Monsters
Inc. and interacting with
Muppet characters, so this
makes a perfect place for
adults and their children
“We are very happy with the new contract,
and it was an honor to be able to take
part in that process. It feels great to pitch
in and help with the union process.”
— Brian Freeman – Paradise Pier
Paradise Pier
Here’s a re-creation of the old-time
coastal boardwalks around so many
famous Southern California beaches.
Paradise Pier, the largest theme
land here, offers great adventure.
More daring guests will go for the
California Screamin’ roller coaster,
while the kids can take a ride on
Mickey’s Fun Wheel or thrill to
the 3D Toy Story Midway Mania!
If you stay late, watch the World
of Color, a stunning hydrotechnic
show performed in Paradise Bay.
Bob Lennox
Chief Negotiator
As Chief Negotiator and CoChairman of the Disneyland Master
Services Council, Bob Lennox used his
vast experience in managing union issues
to lead the negotiating team.
“We spent a lot of time working
with the negotiating committee to come
up with an effective strategy,” explained
Lennox, who has led every Disney
negotiation since 1992. “Everyone worked
very hard to make sure that the interests
of their fellow cast members were kept as
the highest priority. At the end of the day
we can all be very happy with the new
contract, and I think the overwhelmingly
positive vote it received is a testament to
this committee’s hard work.”
The contract covers 4,200 Teamster
members, both full-time employees and
casual regulars, and includes solid wage
increases and a company-matched 401k
plan. “With no takeaways, improvements
to the time off, and protections for the
casual regulars, this is the best contract
at Disney in recent memory,” continued
Lennox. “The members work incredibly
hard every day, not just for themselves,
but to make sure their guests have the
time of their lives. These people deserve
the best, and I’m glad that the strength
and unity of Teamsters Local 495 helped
them get it.”
Lennox began his extensive
Teamsters career after serving in the U.S.
Marine Corps in Vietnam. The year was
1973, when Lennox first joined Teamsters
Local 495 while working at Cal-Custom,
a specialty auto parts distributor. Within
his first month of employment he was
elected as Shop Steward for the group.
While working days in the warehouse,
Lennox attended college at night honing
his skills. In 1976, Lennox became a
Local 495 Business Agent, and in 1987
was elected President of the Local.
He was elected to his current post of
Secretary-Treasurer in 1991 and has led
Local 495 through decades of success.
Bob Lennox also serves the membership
as Vice President of Teamsters Joint
Council 42, and the Director of the
Western Region of the IBT Industrial
Trades Division.
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Disneyland
Adventureland
Travel to an exotic location, far from civilization, in
the remote jungles of Adventureland. Combining
classic attractions like the Jungle Cruise with
more modern rides like the Indiana Jones
Adventure, this area invites you to another world
and helps you live the life of an adventurer.
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“I love being a steward because it means I
get the chance to help my fellow members.
We are one big family here at Disney,
and I feel the same way in the union.”
Gabriel Perez – Shop Steward
Adventureland
Critter Country
Centered around the fanfavorite Splash Mountain
attraction, Critter Country is
also home to Davy Crockett’s
Explorer Canoes, the only
attraction at the park that
is powered by you!
Disney Stewards
Brian Bailey – Cars Land
John DiFlauro – Tower of Terror
Brian Freeman – Paradise Pier
Jimmy Johnson – Hollywood Land
Rafael Palacio – Paradise Pier
Shaw Stengel – Bug’s Land
Jill Borges – Circle D
Nancy Clements – Parking
David Hernandez – Tomorrowland
Amanda “Missy” Hunt –
Cars Land
Norl “Howard” King – Parking
Cassandra Koon –
Alternate/Circle D
Ian Mackenzie –
Frontierland/Adventureland
Bob Ormiston – Anaheim
Warehouse/Trucking
Gabriel Perez – Adventureland
Robert Sanchez – Main Street
Lydia Surface – Parking
Michael Terry – Adventureland
Deirdre Tremaine –
Anaheim Warehouse
Ken Troklus – Innoventions
Gary Ward – Anaheim
Warehouse
Mike Wheat – Tomorrowland
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Pa
age 9
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FANTASYLAND
Relive your childhood memories in Fantasyland,
where you will meet the heroes and heroines of
your favorite classic Disney movies. Snow White,
Pinocchio, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty reside
here, as well as two of the most iconic attractions:
It’s A Small World and the Matterhorn Bobsleds.
“I love working at Disneyland,
I come to work every day
happy. All of the cast
members take pride in
our work, and we try and
give our guests the best
experience possible.”
— Jill Borges – Circle D
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George Park
President
Fronti erl and
California was once the last edge of the American
frontier, where pioneers set their sights toward an
unknown land. In Frontierland you can take a raft to
Tom Sawyer’s Island, cruise the Rivers of America
on the Mark Twain Riverboat, or revel in a show at
the the Golden Horseshoe Saloon. Just be careful,
rumors of Pirates on the Island persist to this day.
George Park, President of
Local 495, began his Teamster
career at Disneyland in 1966. It
was a decade after the park opened
— and 50 million visitors had
already come through its gates.
He worked for almost 20 years
at Disneyland watching the park
grow in popularity and attendance.
His assignments reflected the
diversity of the world famous
attraction: Tomorrowland, Main
Street USA, Frontierland, Pirates
of the Caribbean and – one of his
favorites, the Jungle Cruise.
“It was satisfying watching
guests have fun,” reported Park, as
visitors set sail for high adventure
in Asia, Africa and South America
during a guided tour of the world’s
most remote rivers.
He also supervised the parking
lots, with the crew sometimes
parking as many as 12,000 cars in a
four-hour period.
From his first days at
Disneyland, George Park
understood the importance of
Teamster representation. He took
a keen interest in union activities
and served as an effective shop
steward for a dozen years, taking
great satisfaction in helping his
fellow members. When a Business
Agent’s position became vacant in
1986 Park was the logical choice.
Although he was appointed
President this year, Park still
continues his Business Agent
assignments. He served on the
Disney negotiating team and he is
especially proud of what he terms
“the best collective bargaining
agreement since 1986.”
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Johnny Espinoza
Business Agent
Business Agent Johnny
Espinoza spends most of his time on
assignment with our cast members at
the Disney Resort and enjoys every
second of it. “I really enjoy working
with our Disney members as they are
wonderful people. I especially enjoy
solving problems on behalf of our
members and working with our great
team of stewards. There’s nothing
better than solving a cast member’s
problem, whether it’s a discipline
issue, pay matter or seniority
problem, getting results for the
members is what it’s all about for me.
We want every cast member to know
we are always here to help them.”
Main Street
Welcome to Disneyland Park! Modeled after the
classic American Midwest town, Main Street USA
turns back the clock to the days of old, when town
squares, horse-drawn streetcars, and classical
opera houses were the norm. A jumping off point
to the rest of the park, Main Street USA also
includes many shops where you can enjoy tasty
treats and find the perfect Disney souvenir.
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New Orleans Square
New Orleans Square transports you to a land of
romance and excitement. Replete with verandahs,
wrought ironwork and the sounds of jazz and Dixieland
in the air, you can’t help but linger and enjoy the
atmosphere. With a band of pirates and a haunted
antebellum mansion beckoning you, there’s no
mistaking that New Orleans Square will be memorable.
Mickey‛s Toontown
Inspired by the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit? this
area of Disneyland is a wacky place where you might
swear that the buildings came straight from a cartoon.
Ride on Gadget’s Go Coaster or the Car Toon Spin, or
have your photo taken with Mickey, Minnie or Goofy.
You never know, you might see Donald Duck as well!
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As Walt Disney set his vision of the future, Tomorrowland
will take you on a journey to space and back. Catch the
Monorail for a tour around the park, or if you are feeling
more adventurous, take a ride on Space Mountain or
Star Tours. You can even descend to the underwater
world of the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage.
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Jim Lennox
Business Agent
Jim Lennox, who represents
the Disneyland Resort Teamsters,
praised the members for creating
life long memories for all the
guests visiting the parks. “The
magic you feel when visiting the
parks is unlike any other experience
anywhere. The energy and devotion
of our cast is amazing. All of the
cast clearly have fun in their roles
and that translates to fun for all
of the thousands of families who
come through daily. The fact is,
without the dedication of Local
495’s membership, Disneyland
and Disney California Adventure
would not be one of the premier
destinations in the world!”
Negotiating Committee
Secretary-Treasurer Bob Lennox
President George Park
Business Agent Jim Lennox
Business Agent Johnny Espinoza
Vice President and
Shop Steward Bob Sanchez
Trustee and
Shop Steward John DiFlauro
Shop Stewards
Gary Ward
Jill Borges
Nancy Clements
Brian Freeman
Ian Mackenzie
Gabriel Perez
Lydia Surface
Ken Troklus
and Mike Wheat
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Disney Night
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Distribution Center
Resort
Transportation
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Resort
Transportation
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Disney Shop Stewards
Lydia Surface, Nancy Clements and Howard King RT&P (Resort Transportation & Parking)
Bob Sanchez (Main Street Opera House), Mike Terry (Indiana Jones Adventure) &
Gabe Perez (Indiana Jones Adventure) - Disneyland
John DiFlauro, Jimmy Johnson (Tower of Terror), Shawn Stengal (Bugs) & Rafael
Palacio (Paradise Pier) - Disney California Adventure
Amanda “Missy” Hunt - (Carsland) - Disney California Adventure
Brian Bailey – (Muppets and Carsland) - Disney California Adventure
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TEAMSTERS LOCAL 495
800 S. Barranca Ave., Suite 320
Covina, CA 91723
PRESORT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Los Angeles, CA
Permit No. 34694
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All photos in this publication were shot
by Shop Steward Ian Mackenzie. Ian is
a professional photographer for hire.
ianmackenzie23@gmail.com
“Local 495 members are the backbone
that keeps the park running.”
—Bob Lennox, Sec.-Treas. Local 495
“I’ve been a steward for a long time,
but I still feel proud when we are able
to negotiate great contracts.
— Lydia Surface - Shop Steward,
Resort Transportation
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