Disney is now facing a class action lawsuit filed by current employees who were fraudulently induced to move from California to a proposed development in Florida, only to have the relocation plans canceled. Attorneys representing employees Maria De La Cruz, George Fong, and others have demanded a jury trial.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, sheds light on the turmoil experienced by Disney employees who were coerced into moving to Florida. De La Cruz, a vice president of product design, and Fong, a creative director of product design, are among the employees who found themselves in a predicament when Disney decided not to require the relocation of 2,000 employees to the Lake Nona campus.

The lawsuit alleges that Disney misled employees about the benefits of the move, highlighting the contemporary nature of the planned facilities, collaborative workspaces, and extensive amenities offered in Lake Nona. Employees were also told about the affordability of the Orlando housing market and the presence of strong-performing schools in the area. However, the lawsuit claims that these representations were inconsistent with the reality of the situation.

Employees were given a choice: either sell their homes in Southern California and move to Florida, or face termination by Disney. Incentives and punishments were used to persuade employees to make the move, creating a distressing situation where employees had to uproot their lives and then face the prospect of moving back. The lawsuit describes how employees believed their job security at Disney depended on the relocation to Florida, as the company emphasized the centralized workgroups and modernized facilities at the Lake Nona campus.

Allegations in the lawsuit further claim that Disney concealed facts inconsistent with their representations, including the true nature of their plans to build a state-of-the-art facility. Disney has apologized for the situation, acknowledging that it was a mistake on their part.

Attorney Jason S. Lohr, representing the employees, highlighted the irony that the most loyal and dedicated employees were the ones most affected by Disney's actions. Lohr emphasized the need for Disney to rectify the situation and provide justice for their best employees.

The class action lawsuit aims to hold Disney accountable for its alleged fraudulent inducement and seeks justice for the affected employees. It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold and whether Disney will take steps to address the concerns raised by its employees.