ORLANDO, Fla. — The mouse that roared was heard.
Months after workers who play Mickey Mouse, Goofy and other characters at Walt Disney World threatened to leave the Teamsters union because of what they called “horrible misrepresentation,” General President James Hoffa appointed two associates Monday to take over the local union.
A letter from Hoffa was posted to the doors of the Local 385 union hall in Orlando, Fla., saying he had begun a process known as trusteeship. Local 385 represents costumed character-performers, truck drivers and other Walt Disney World workers.
Hoffa promised to send resources to help the local union right itself, writing “it is regrettable that circumstances have reached this point.”
Ralph Singer, a Disney World truck driver, said union members were “ecstatic” about the trusteeship.
“Enough people complained, and they made a great decision,” Singer said. “Hopefully, they will clean house.”
