By Jason Garcia
Orlando Sentinel
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. — Orange County lawmakers agreed Wednesday to support an effort by Reedy Creek Improvement District firefighters to gain a measure of leverage over the Walt Disney World-controlled government.
The county’s legislative delegation voted unanimously to send a bill to Tallahassee that would require both the Reedy Creek firefighters’ union and district management to abide by recommendations of an independent mediator whenever contract negotiations reach an impasse.
While both sides are currently required to use a mediator when contract talks stall, the subsequent recommendations are not binding. The final authority instead rests with Reedy Creek’s board of supervisors, whose members are all hand-picked by Disney. Reedy Creek firefighters lack any ability to influence board elections.
Full story: Orange County lawmakers back Disney firefighters