Disney’s Attempt to violate New Florida Guns-at-Work law

Disney is warning its employees that they will be terminated if they leave guns in their car.  This appears to be in violation of the new law.   Below is a copy of a memo that is being sent to their employees.  The NFA and numerous sources have reported receiving the same memo.

From: WDW NewsRoom
To: #WDW X Corporate Executive Cast – Florida; #WDW X Walt Disney Parks
and Resorts Vice Presidents; #WDW X Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
Directors; #WDW X Walt Disney Parks and Resorts General Managers
 
Sent: Fri Jun 27 XXXXXXX 2008
Subject: Florida’s Guns-At-Work Legislation
 
        Below is a memo regarding the Florida Guns-at-Work law,
effective July 1, 2008.  Please share verbally with your teams, as
appropriate.
 
 
********************************************************************************************
     
        To:     Florida-site Executives         Date:   June 27, 2008
        From:   Shannon McAleavey,                     
        Senior Vice President Public Affairs
        Subject:        Florida’s Guns-at-Work Legislation
 
_____________________________________________________________________
 
        On July 1, a new Florida law will go into effect that will allow
employees with a conceal-and-carry permit to have a weapon in their
vehicle at their place of employment. This law does not apply to Walt
Disney World Co. owned and leased properties due to an exemption. This
includes all theme parks, resorts, theme park and resort parking lots,
Cast Member parking lots, administrative offices across the Walt Disney
World(r) Resort, Downtown Disney(r), Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Complex, hotels on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Celebration and the Disney
Reservation Centers (Orlando and Tampa).
       
        However, the law will apply to property owned by Reedy Creek
Improvement District, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, the Disney Cruise Line
Crew Member parking lot, the La Quinta warehouse on Orange Blossom Trail
and Disney-owned liquidation stores off property. Because this is a
Florida law, it also does not apply to Disney’s Hilton Head Island
Resort. Cast Members will continue to be prohibited from removing a
weapon from their vehicle while at work. All Cast Members must comply
with the gun policies in effect at the location they are visiting,
regardless of where they work. For example, Disney’s Vero Beach Cast
Members must comply with the gun policies at a Walt Disney World Co.
theme park when visiting that location.
 
        Walt Disney World Co. continues to maintain a zero tolerance
policy for guns and workplace violence. Possession of dangerous or
unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, ammunition, weapons
or other similar items on Walt Disney World Co. owned or leased property
is grounds for termination (as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual).
 
        A lawsuit filed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida
Retail Federation to repeal the law is under review, and we are hopeful
it will be overturned by mid-July. We support the ongoing efforts of the
Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Retail Federation to
challenge the legislation. The safety of our Cast and Guests is our top
priority.
 
      Please encourage your teams to practice safe behaviors at any
location. In an emergency, Cast Members should dial 911. If a gun is
seen or suspected to be at any location, Cast Members should immediately
contact their local Human Resources representative or Walt Disney World
Security at x1990 or 407-560-1990.
 
        Thanks for your support in verbally sharing this information
with your teams. I will update you when a final ruling is made in the
lawsuit.

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