Lawmakers in Florida are proposing to give&nbsp;governor Ron DeSantis full control over the board overseeing Walt Disney Co.'s special district.&nbsp;

According to the latest reports, a new bill filed on Monday would give the governor power to appoint the five-member board of supervisors that runs&nbsp;the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which is a special government entity that has&nbsp;granted several benefits to Disney for over half a century. Those five appointees will then have to be confirmed by state senators.

The new rules also prevent people with ties to a&nbsp;theme park in the last three years from serving on the board.

"Florida is dissolving the corporate kingdom and beginning a new era of accountability and transparency," Bryan Griffin, DeSantis’ press secretary, said in an emailed statement. The former rules "gifted extraordinary special privileges to a single corporation."

Reedy Creek&nbsp;Improvement District is currently governed by a five-member board of supervisors, which are usually elected by local property owners, according to its charter. Given that most of the land within the district is owned by Disney and its affiliates, the company has out-sized decision-making power.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-watch-jennifer-lopez-ben-afflecks-heated-discussion-at-grammys-caught-on-camera-video-goes-viral-559532">Watch: Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck's heated discussion at Grammys caught on camera, video goes viral&nbsp;</a>

In a statement, Jeff Vahle, president of the Walt Disney World resort, stated that the company is monitoring the progress of the legislation. "Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year,"&nbsp;he said.

DeSantis signed a law last year that would have dissolved Reedy Creek, which provides municipal functions such as infrastructure, water and emergency services to Walt Disney World Resort. The move was a response to what the Florida governor saw as Disney's criticism of a law he signed that limits elementary school teachings about gender identity.&nbsp;

The bill will be discussed in a Florida House state affairs committee hearing on Wednesday and is expected to be debated by the full legislature later this week. Eventually, a version will be brought to DeSantis for his signature.

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Lawmakers in Florida are proposing to give governor Ron DeSantis full control over the board overseeing Walt Disney Co.'s special district. According to the latest reports, a new bill filed on Monday would give the governor power to appoint the five-member board of supervisors that runs the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which is a special government entity that has granted several benefits to Disney for over half a century.

Lawmakers in Florida are proposing to give governor Ron DeSantis full control over the board overseeing Walt Disney Co.'s special district. According to the latest reports, a new bill filed on Monday would give the governor power to appoint the five-member board of supervisors that runs the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which is a special government entity that has granted several benefits to Disney for over half a century. Those five appointees will then have to be confirmed by state senators. The new rules also prevent people with ties to a theme park in the last three years from serving on the board. "Florida is dissolving the corporate kingdom and beginning a new era of accountability and transparency," Bryan Griffin, DeSantis’ press secretary, said in an emailed statement. The former rules "gifted extraordinary special privileges to a single corporation." Reedy Creek Improvement District is currently governed by a five-member board of supervisors, which are usually elected by local property owners, according to its charter. Given that most of the land within the district is owned by Disney and its affiliates, the company has out-sized decision-making power. Also read: Watch: Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck's heated discussion at Grammys caught on camera, video goes viral In a statement, Jeff Vahle, president of the Walt Disney World resort, stated that the company is monitoring the progress of the legislation. "Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year," he said. DeSantis signed a law last year that would have dissolved Reedy Creek, which provides municipal functions such as infrastructure, water and emergency services to Walt Disney World Resort. The move was a response to what the Florida governor saw as Disney's criticism of a law he signed that limits elementary school teachings about gender identity. The bill will be discussed in a Florida House state affairs committee hearing on Wednesday and is expected to be debated by the full legislature later this week. Eventually, a version will be brought to DeSantis for his signature. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Florida governor set to gain control of Disney's district board in new bill

Due to their ads running alongside tweets promoting child pornography, some big advertisers, including Dyson, Mazda, and chemicals giant Ecolab, have suspended their marketing campaigns or pulled their advertisements from some portions of Twitter.

According to a Reuters review of accounts identified by cybersecurity group Ghost Data in new research about child sex abuse online Ads of some 30 brands, including Walt Disney Company, Coca-Cola, and even a children's hospital, have been seen on the profile pages of Twitter accounts that promote links to the exploitative material.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-childrens-evil-abuse-us-judge-sends-28-year-old-man-to-jail-for-life-473443">For 'evil' child sex abuse, US judge sends 28-year-old man to jail for life &nbsp;</a>

One example is of the shoes and accessories brand Cole Haan whose ad appeared next to a tweet in which the user posted about "trading teen/child" content.

Several tweets contained phrases like "rape" and "teens," among others.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtubes-ai-algorithm-adds-explicit-language-in-captions-to-childrens-clips-456700">YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips</a>

In another instance, a user posted their search for "Yung girls ONLY, NO Boys," material on Twitter which was followed immediately by a promotional tweet for the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Texas.&nbsp;

Ghost Data found that over 500 accounts&nbsp;shared or requested explicit child sex abuse content over the course of 20 days this month. The organisation, as per Reuters, claims that Twitter failed to delete more than 70 per cent&nbsp;of the accounts during the study period.&nbsp;

Like all social media platforms, Twitter forbids images that portray child sexual exploitation. However, it normally allows for sexual content and hosts a booming exchange of pornographic images, which, as per the Reuters report&nbsp;account for around 13 per cent of all content on Twitter.

Watch |&nbsp;<a>Tech Talk: Google's AI bans father over medical photos of his child</a>

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Celeste Carswell, a spokesperson for Twitter, said in a statement that the business "has zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation" and is allocating additional resources to improving child safety, including hiring for new positions to develop policies and put them into practice.

Twitter is closely collaborating with its advertising partners and clients to look into the incident and take appropriate action to ensure that it doesn't occur again, she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Due to their ads running alongside tweets promoting child pornography, some big advertisers, including Dyson, Mazda, and chemicals giant Ecolab, have suspended their marketing campaigns or pulled their advertisements from some portions of Twitter.

Due to their ads running alongside tweets promoting child pornography, some big advertisers, including Dyson, Mazda, and chemicals giant Ecolab, have suspended their marketing campaigns or pulled their advertisements from some portions of Twitter. According to a Reuters review of accounts identified by cybersecurity group Ghost Data in new research about child sex abuse online Ads of some 30 brands, including Walt Disney Company, Coca-Cola, and even a children's hospital, have been seen on the profile pages of Twitter accounts that promote links to the exploitative material. Also read | For 'evil' child sex abuse, US judge sends 28-year-old man to jail for life One example is of the shoes and accessories brand Cole Haan whose ad appeared next to a tweet in which the user posted about "trading teen/child" content. Several tweets contained phrases like "rape" and "teens," among others. Also read | YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips In another instance, a user posted their search for "Yung girls ONLY, NO Boys," material on Twitter which was followed immediately by a promotional tweet for the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Texas. Ghost Data found that over 500 accounts shared or requested explicit child sex abuse content over the course of 20 days this month. The organisation, as per Reuters, claims that Twitter failed to delete more than 70 per cent of the accounts during the study period. Like all social media platforms, Twitter forbids images that portray child sexual exploitation. However, it normally allows for sexual content and hosts a booming exchange of pornographic images, which, as per the Reuters report account for around 13 per cent of all content on Twitter. Watch | Tech Talk: Google's AI bans father over medical photos of his child Celeste Carswell, a spokesperson for Twitter, said in a statement that the business "has zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation" and is allocating additional resources to improving child safety, including hiring for new positions to develop policies and put them into practice. Twitter is closely collaborating with its advertising partners and clients to look into the incident and take appropriate action to ensure that it doesn't occur again, she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brands remove ads from Twitter after their campaigns feature next to tweets on child porn: Report

Walt Disney has always been a champion of using newer technologies and introducing them in the entertainment world so it is no surprise as they announce plans of joining the metaverse bandwagon with Mark Zuckerberg with his Meta (earlier known as Facebook) and Microsoft.

Metaverse as understood by most is the blending of the physical and digital worlds where people can interact virtually. It’s a big leap into virtual reality and goes in tune with Disney’s history of innovation in storytelling.&nbsp;

Some of the biggest tech innovations in entertainment have been by Disney with Micky Mouse cartoon Steamboat Willie being the first to feature synchronised sound.&nbsp;

Disney CEO Bob Chapek said, “The Walt Disney Company has a long track record as an early adopter in the use of technology to enhance the entertainment experience. Our efforts to date are merely a prologue to a time when we’ll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling without boundaries in our own Disney metaverse.”

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Disney’s former executive vice-president of digital, Tilak Mandadi, wrote a LinkedIn post in 2020 about creating a theme park metaverse, where the “physical and digital world converge” through wearable devices and mobile phones.

The metaverse concept also includes augmented reality, where elements of the digital world are layered on top of reality, such as the Pokémon Go game, which is played on mobile phones or Facebook’s recent smart glasses tie-up with Ray-Ban.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-box-office-daniel-craig-starrer-no-time-to-die-crosses-700-million-mark-429468" hreflang="en">Box office: Daniel Craig starrer 'No Time to Die' crosses $700 million mark</a>

Meanwhile, it started with Mark Zuckerberg who announced the rebranding of Facebook’s corporate name to Meta, is of avatars – or digital representations of people – meeting in the virtual realm by donning VR headsets (Meta owns the Oculus VR headset business). His executives, including PR chief Nick Clegg and product boss Chris Cox, now take their weekly team meetings in the metaverse, via the company’s Horizon Workrooms product.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-adele-opens-up-about-her-divorce--her-alcoholic-father-in-candid-oprah-interview-429439" hreflang="en">Adele opens up about her divorce &amp; her alcoholic father in candid Oprah interview</a>

Walt Disney has always been a champion of using newer technologies and introducing them in the entertainment world so it is no surprise as they announce plans of joining the metaverse bandwagon with Mark Zuckerberg with his Meta (earlier known as Facebook) and Microsoft.

Walt Disney has always been a champion of using newer technologies and introducing them in the entertainment world so it is no surprise as they announce plans of joining the metaverse bandwagon with Mark Zuckerberg with his Meta (earlier known as Facebook) and Microsoft. Metaverse as understood by most is the blending of the physical and digital worlds where people can interact virtually. It’s a big leap into virtual reality and goes in tune with Disney’s history of innovation in storytelling. Some of the biggest tech innovations in entertainment have been by Disney with Micky Mouse cartoon Steamboat Willie being the first to feature synchronised sound. Disney CEO Bob Chapek said, “The Walt Disney Company has a long track record as an early adopter in the use of technology to enhance the entertainment experience. Our efforts to date are merely a prologue to a time when we’ll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling without boundaries in our own Disney metaverse.” WATCH: Social media anxiety is real: Celebs call out toxic culture Disney’s former executive vice-president of digital, Tilak Mandadi, wrote a LinkedIn post in 2020 about creating a theme park metaverse, where the “physical and digital world converge” through wearable devices and mobile phones. The metaverse concept also includes augmented reality, where elements of the digital world are layered on top of reality, such as the Pokémon Go game, which is played on mobile phones or Facebook’s recent smart glasses tie-up with Ray-Ban. Also read: Box office: Daniel Craig starrer 'No Time to Die' crosses $700 million mark Meanwhile, it started with Mark Zuckerberg who announced the rebranding of Facebook’s corporate name to Meta, is of avatars – or digital representations of people – meeting in the virtual realm by donning VR headsets (Meta owns the Oculus VR headset business). His executives, including PR chief Nick Clegg and product boss Chris Cox, now take their weekly team meetings in the metaverse, via the company’s Horizon Workrooms product. Adele opens up about her divorce & her alcoholic father in candid Oprah interview

Disney to enter the world of metaverse, to bring revolutionary change in entertainment business

Scarlett Johansson, star of the Marvel superhero movie "Black Widow," sued the Walt Disney Co on Thursday (July 29), alleging that the company breached her contract when it released the movie on streaming at the same time it debuted in theaters.

Scarlett Johansson sues Disney over 'Black Widow' streaming release

The Walt Disney Co. is closing their `Blue Sky Studios`, the animation production house behind the much-loved series Ice Age, Rio, and many more.The American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate, Disney has made a move to close the studio that churned out more than 13 iconic films since Fox bought it in 1999.

According to Deadline, this decision came after Disney faced an economic crisis due to the COVID-19 induced pandemic. Not only this but also due to the monetary losses, the company shut down its theme parks and cruise lines. However, the pending project of the Ice age series from the studio library will be helmed by Disney itself.

An Ice Age series for Disney+ that was first declared during a year ago`s financial backers gathering, is as yet being developed. The `Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild`, highlighting the voice of Simon Pegg, is scheduled to show up early by 2022. Whereas, the much-anticipated animation feature drama based on the novel by Noelle Stevenson `Nimona`, was likewise removed completely from Disney`s schedule and will no longer be released.

The film was another Fox title and had 10 months left of creation. It was last scheduled for theatres on Jan. 14, 2022, reported by Deadline. Blue Sky Studios was originally founded in 1986 by Alison Brown, David Brown, Michael Ferraro, Carl Ludwig, Dr. Eugene Troubetzkoy, and Chris Wedge, according to the studio`s website. In their early days, the team worked on photorealistic CG effects on Joe`s Apartment (1996), A Simple Wish (1997), Alien Resurrection (1997), and Fight Club (1999).

Bunny became their first of what would later grow into a collection of short films in 1998. As per Deadline, the last day for the Blue Sky studio will be in April. The number of employees being affected is&nbsp;450. Disney will be working with the employees at the Greenwich, CT-based studio to explore open positions at the other internal studios.&nbsp;

The Walt Disney Co. is closing their `Blue Sky Studios`, the animation production house behind the much-loved series Ice Age, Rio, and many more.The American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate, Disney has made a move to close the studio that churned out more than 13 iconic films since Fox bought it in 1999.

The Walt Disney Co. is closing their `Blue Sky Studios`, the animation production house behind the much-loved series Ice Age, Rio, and many more.The American diversified multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate, Disney has made a move to close the studio that churned out more than 13 iconic films since Fox bought it in 1999. According to Deadline, this decision came after Disney faced an economic crisis due to the COVID-19 induced pandemic. Not only this but also due to the monetary losses, the company shut down its theme parks and cruise lines. However, the pending project of the Ice age series from the studio library will be helmed by Disney itself. An Ice Age series for Disney+ that was first declared during a year ago`s financial backers gathering, is as yet being developed. The `Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild`, highlighting the voice of Simon Pegg, is scheduled to show up early by 2022. Whereas, the much-anticipated animation feature drama based on the novel by Noelle Stevenson `Nimona`, was likewise removed completely from Disney`s schedule and will no longer be released. The film was another Fox title and had 10 months left of creation. It was last scheduled for theatres on Jan. 14, 2022, reported by Deadline. Blue Sky Studios was originally founded in 1986 by Alison Brown, David Brown, Michael Ferraro, Carl Ludwig, Dr. Eugene Troubetzkoy, and Chris Wedge, according to the studio`s website. In their early days, the team worked on photorealistic CG effects on Joe`s Apartment (1996), A Simple Wish (1997), Alien Resurrection (1997), and Fight Club (1999). Bunny became their first of what would later grow into a collection of short films in 1998. As per Deadline, the last day for the Blue Sky studio will be in April. The number of employees being affected is 450. Disney will be working with the employees at the Greenwich, CT-based studio to explore open positions at the other internal studios.

Disney to shut down 'Ice Age' franchise animation house 'Blue Sky Studios'

"Black Panther" director and co-writer Ryan Coogler is developing a streaming television series set in the movie's fictional futuristic kingdom of Wakanda, Walt Disney Co said on Monday (February 1).

'Black Panther' director developing Wakanda TV series for Disney+

Walt Disney Co's live-action remake of "Mulan" opened on Thursday (September 17) to a lacklustre reception in Hong Kong, where pro-democracy activists have been leading calls to boycott the movie.

Disney's 'Mulan' gets cold reception in boycott-leading Hong Kong

Workers at California's Disneyland Resort protested from their cars on Saturday (June 27) arguing that the Walt Disney Co has not agreed to adequate protections for employees when the destination reopens to the public amid a pandemic.

Disneyland employees protest pandemic workplace safety at the "happiest place on earth"

Disneyland and Walt Disney World will remain closed indefinitely. Due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-attacks-lamestream-media-amid-rising-covid-19-cases-in-us-289147">coronavirus pandemic</a>, the California and Florida parks that were set to reopen next Wednesday will now remain closed until further notice, the Walt Disney Co. said on Friday.

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According to The news agency, a statement from the company reads, "While there is still much uncertainty with respect to the impacts of COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remain The Walt Disney Company's top priority. As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice."

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The company added that it "has been paying its cast members since the closure of the parks, and in light of this ongoing and increasingly complex crisis, we have made the decision to extend paying hourly parks and resorts cast members through April 18." 
 
This news came soon after the union leaders for both the parks sent letters to the Walt Disney Co., that demanded an update as the staff was becoming more and more anxious with uncertainty. 
 
Universal Studios extended its parks reopen date to April 19. Also in related news, SeaWorld Entertainment on Friday said during a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that the company has temporarily furloughed more than 90 per cent of its current employees as of April 1 due to its parks being closed. 
 
The filing reads, "The furloughed employees will not receive compensation from the Company during the furlough period after March 31, 2020; however, subject to local regulations, these employees will be eligible for unemployment benefits. The furlough period is uncertain at this time due to the temporary park closures and will be reassessed as business conditions dictate." 
 
Currently, California is under a stay-at-home order, meaning all nonessential businesses must stay closed until the order is lifted. It is not clear when that will happen. 
 
The earliest Disney World would have been allowed to reopen in Orlando was 11 p.m. on April 9 under the Orange County stay-at-home order. 
 
On the weekend of March 14, both the Disney parks closed their doors. Disney Paris also closed. The parks&nbsp;shopping districts and hotels along with all Disney stores in North America also closed soon after. 
 
The date pushback announcement came from the Universal Studios, nearly a week after Jeffrey Ghazarian, a 34-year-old California man who died of complications due to the coronavirus, reportedly visited the Florida park (along with Disney World) days before he became ill. 
 
On March 19, Alyson Lundell, spokeswoman for Universal Orlando, told The Hollywood Reporter, "Our thoughts are with this gentleman and his family. As is always the case, we will take our guidance from local health officials." 
 
"We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Mr Ghazarian. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and remain in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance," stated a Disney spokesperson at the time.

Disneyland and Walt Disney World will remain closed indefinitely. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the California and Florida parks that were set to reopen next Wednesday will now remain closed until further notice, the Walt Disney Co.

Disneyland and Walt Disney World will remain closed indefinitely. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the California and Florida parks that were set to reopen next Wednesday will now remain closed until further notice, the Walt Disney Co. said on Friday. In pics: Initiatives taken by global icons to combat coronavirus pandemic According to The news agency, a statement from the company reads, "While there is still much uncertainty with respect to the impacts of COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remain The Walt Disney Company's top priority. As a result of this unprecedented pandemic and in line with direction provided by health experts and government officials, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice." Also see: 8 new web shows, films to watch as you quarantine at home The company added that it "has been paying its cast members since the closure of the parks, and in light of this ongoing and increasingly complex crisis, we have made the decision to extend paying hourly parks and resorts cast members through April 18." This news came soon after the union leaders for both the parks sent letters to the Walt Disney Co., that demanded an update as the staff was becoming more and more anxious with uncertainty. Universal Studios extended its parks reopen date to April 19. Also in related news, SeaWorld Entertainment on Friday said during a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that the company has temporarily furloughed more than 90 per cent of its current employees as of April 1 due to its parks being closed. The filing reads, "The furloughed employees will not receive compensation from the Company during the furlough period after March 31, 2020; however, subject to local regulations, these employees will be eligible for unemployment benefits. The furlough period is uncertain at this time due to the temporary park closures and will be reassessed as business conditions dictate." Currently, California is under a stay-at-home order, meaning all nonessential businesses must stay closed until the order is lifted. It is not clear when that will happen. The earliest Disney World would have been allowed to reopen in Orlando was 11 p.m. on April 9 under the Orange County stay-at-home order. On the weekend of March 14, both the Disney parks closed their doors. Disney Paris also closed. The parks shopping districts and hotels along with all Disney stores in North America also closed soon after. The date pushback announcement came from the Universal Studios, nearly a week after Jeffrey Ghazarian, a 34-year-old California man who died of complications due to the coronavirus, reportedly visited the Florida park (along with Disney World) days before he became ill. On March 19, Alyson Lundell, spokeswoman for Universal Orlando, told The Hollywood Reporter, "Our thoughts are with this gentleman and his family. As is always the case, we will take our guidance from local health officials." "We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Mr Ghazarian. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and remain in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance," stated a Disney spokesperson at the time.

Walt Disney World, Disneyland to remain closed indefinitely amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Communications&nbsp;Workers&nbsp;of America union filed a federal&nbsp;labour&nbsp;charge against Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/major-corporate-restructuring-at-google-sundar-pichai-becomes-ceo-of-alphabet-266155">Google</a>&nbsp;on Thursday, accusing the company of unlawfully&nbsp;firing&nbsp;four employees to deter&nbsp;workers&nbsp;from engaging in union activities.

The complaint, seen by Reuters, will trigger a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) investigation into whether&nbsp;Google&nbsp;violated the four individuals' right to collectively raise concerns about working conditions.

Google&nbsp;fired the four named employees "to discourage and chill employees from engaging in protected concerted and union activities," the filing states. "Its actions are the antithesis of the freedoms and transparency it publicly touts."

Google&nbsp;did not respond to a request for comment on the filing, though it has said the four&nbsp;workers&nbsp;were let go for violating the company's data-security policies.

Google&nbsp;also last month acknowledged hiring a consultancy known for defeating&nbsp;unionism.

The CWA union, which represents 700,000 North Americans working at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-&amp;-economy/att-wins-court-approval-to-buy-time-warner-over-trump-opposition-143971?amp">AT&amp;T Inc</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/frozen-2-south-korean-ngo-sues-disney-over-screen-monopoly-265962">Walt Disney Co</a>&nbsp;and companies in several other industries, has been trying to organise&nbsp;workers&nbsp;at&nbsp;Google, said Laurie Burgess, an attorney at Messing Adam &amp; Jasmine who worked on the NLRB filing.

The union stepped forward to make the charge against the company "because it has been harmed by&nbsp;Google's actions," she said.

If at the end of its investigation the NLRB finds&nbsp;Google&nbsp;has a case to answer, the union could seek to reach a settlement or, ultimately appeal to a court.

CWA spokeswoman Beth Allen said its organising director has been in touch with&nbsp;Google&nbsp;employees for some time to offer assistance.

"It's a good partnership we have and through their own organising if they decide they want to form a union, we’re here to help them," she said. "We really believe in&nbsp;workers&nbsp;leading their own struggles."

The four&nbsp;workers, who were fired November 25, "visibly led and participated in" organising at&nbsp;Google, according to the filing.

"I was fired for organising my coworkers&nbsp;and advocating for better working conditions for everyone who works at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sundar-pichai-named-alphabet-ceo-google-co-founders-step-down-266045">Google</a>&nbsp;(including employees, temps, vendors, and contractors)," one of the&nbsp;workers, Paul Duke, said in a tweet on Wednesday.

He and others in social media posts since their exit have alleged that&nbsp;Google, which has faced a swell of worker activism over the past two years, wanted to demonstrate consequences for speaking out.

Duke and sacked co-workers&nbsp;Laurence Berland and Sophie Waldman publicly signed a petition in August urging&nbsp;Google&nbsp;to reject business from three US&nbsp;immigration agencies that the petition said had mistreated migrants. The fourth fired worker, Rebecca Rivers, had protested&nbsp;Google&nbsp;policies that appeared to undermine its support for people who identify as gay, lesbian or transgender.

When the NLRB finds violations, it typically tries to help accusers and companies reach a settlement.

Google&nbsp;in September announced such a settlement after an employee accused the company of&nbsp;firing&nbsp;him for his conservative political views.&nbsp;Google&nbsp;said it agreed to remind employees that its "policies do not prevent employees from discussing workplace issues."

The company has long prided itself on listening to employee feedback and even adjusting course on the spot based on ideas at all-staff meetings. But it now serves more than 3 billion consumers and business customers across search, navigation and health technology, and it faces fierce competition in advertising and increased regulatory scrutiny.

The company in the last year has reeled in elements of its unorthodox culture, such as by cutting back on companywide meetings next year, as it deals with its much broader influence.

Workers&nbsp;and investors have been able to exercise limited oversight over&nbsp;Google's practices because co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin control Alphabet's shareholder voting power.

The co-founders stepped down Tuesday from their executive roles but retain their votes and board seats.

The Communications Workers of America union filed a federal labour charge against Alphabet Inc's Google on Thursday, accusing the company of unlawfully firing four employees to deter workers from engaging in union activities.

The Communications Workers of America union filed a federal labour charge against Alphabet Inc's Google on Thursday, accusing the company of unlawfully firing four employees to deter workers from engaging in union activities. The complaint, seen by Reuters, will trigger a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) investigation into whether Google violated the four individuals' right to collectively raise concerns about working conditions. Google fired the four named employees "to discourage and chill employees from engaging in protected concerted and union activities," the filing states. "Its actions are the antithesis of the freedoms and transparency it publicly touts." Google did not respond to a request for comment on the filing, though it has said the four workers were let go for violating the company's data-security policies. Google also last month acknowledged hiring a consultancy known for defeating unionism. The CWA union, which represents 700,000 North Americans working at AT&T Inc, Walt Disney Co and companies in several other industries, has been trying to organise workers at Google, said Laurie Burgess, an attorney at Messing Adam & Jasmine who worked on the NLRB filing. The union stepped forward to make the charge against the company "because it has been harmed by Google's actions," she said. If at the end of its investigation the NLRB finds Google has a case to answer, the union could seek to reach a settlement or, ultimately appeal to a court. CWA spokeswoman Beth Allen said its organising director has been in touch with Google employees for some time to offer assistance. "It's a good partnership we have and through their own organising if they decide they want to form a union, we’re here to help them," she said. "We really believe in workers leading their own struggles." The four workers, who were fired November 25, "visibly led and participated in" organising at Google, according to the filing. "I was fired for organising my coworkers and advocating for better working conditions for everyone who works at Google (including employees, temps, vendors, and contractors)," one of the workers, Paul Duke, said in a tweet on Wednesday. He and others in social media posts since their exit have alleged that Google, which has faced a swell of worker activism over the past two years, wanted to demonstrate consequences for speaking out. Duke and sacked co-workers Laurence Berland and Sophie Waldman publicly signed a petition in August urging Google to reject business from three US immigration agencies that the petition said had mistreated migrants. The fourth fired worker, Rebecca Rivers, had protested Google policies that appeared to undermine its support for people who identify as gay, lesbian or transgender. When the NLRB finds violations, it typically tries to help accusers and companies reach a settlement. Google in September announced such a settlement after an employee accused the company of firing him for his conservative political views. Google said it agreed to remind employees that its "policies do not prevent employees from discussing workplace issues." The company has long prided itself on listening to employee feedback and even adjusting course on the spot based on ideas at all-staff meetings. But it now serves more than 3 billion consumers and business customers across search, navigation and health technology, and it faces fierce competition in advertising and increased regulatory scrutiny. The company in the last year has reeled in elements of its unorthodox culture, such as by cutting back on companywide meetings next year, as it deals with its much broader influence. Workers and investors have been able to exercise limited oversight over Google's practices because co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin control Alphabet's shareholder voting power. The co-founders stepped down Tuesday from their executive roles but retain their votes and board seats.

Labour group accuses Google of illegally firing workers to stifle unionism

Walt Disney Co has opened the gates to its first theme park in China, prompting a rush from thousands of Mickey Mouse enthusiasts to be the first to storm Treasure Cove, ride the Roaring Rapids or visit Disney&#39;s tallest castle. 
 
Disney&#39;s largest overseas investment at $5.5 billion, the park is a bet on China&#39;s middle class and booming domestic tourism. The US firm hopes it will offset an otherwise lacklustre international theme park business, better known for cash-burning sites such as Euro Disney. 
 
&quot;China obviously represents incredible potential for the Walt Disney Company,&quot; chief executive Bob Iger told reporters at the park. Flanked by officials from local government partners today Iger cut a ribbon to officially open the resort - nearly two decades after he first scoped out the site in 1999. 
 
Not everything has gone quite to plan though. 
 
The opening gala - meant to be a bonanza of fireworks, live music and dance - was rained off on Wednesday night, while at Disney&#39;s park in Orlando, Florida, a young boy was grabbed by an alligator and killed. 
 
Disney, however, sees China as its greatest business opportunity since Walt Disney bought land in central Florida in the 1960s for what is now Walt Disney World - the world&#39;s most-visited theme park. The firm estimates 330 million people within a three-hour radius of Shanghai, the country&#39;s financial centre, will be able to afford to come to the park. 
 
Main Street has been replaced by Mickey Avenue to reduce the feel of Americana while attractions include a Chinese-style Wandering Moon tea house, a Chinese Zodiac-themed garden and a Tarzan musical featuring Chinese acrobats. 
 
Already expanding 
 
The iconic US firm is already expanding the Shanghai site to keep the home crowd keen, in a country where competition from a plethora of local theme parks and domestic cartoon characters promises to be fierce. 
 
The park&#39;s seven square kilometre plot of land means there is plenty of space to expand, Iger told reporters. 
 
&quot;There is actually construction going on this week. When we open we will continue the construction to expand what&#39;s on the opening day menu,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;We have plenty of space to do that and we believe we&#39;ve got willing partners...We think we will probably do that sooner rather than later.&quot; 
 
Shanghai Disney could also help lure more consumers to its films. &quot;Zootopia&quot;, &quot;Captain America: Civil War&quot;, &quot;The Jungle Book&quot; and &quot;Star Wars: the Force Awakens&quot; are among the ten most-watched movies in China of 2016, reaping more than $690 million in ticket sales, according to Box Office Mojo. Characters from those films will feature at the Shanghai resort. 
 
Disney, though, is facing intense competition from billionaire developers building homegrown parks and from domestic cartoon characters. Consumers also have an ambivalent attitude to its products, with some being sceptical about American values overriding Chinese traditions and culture. 
 
Iger received a presidential welcome from Xi Jinping in May, and Disney has been granted &quot;special&quot; trademark protection. But China&#39;s main military newspaper has also warned that &quot;Zootopia&quot;, a story about a rabbit police officer in an animal city, was a tool for spreading US propaganda and ideals. 
 
Furthermore, Disney will have to share the spoils. The resort is a joint venture with state-owned Shendi Group, which has a 57 per cent stake - a concession agreed during lengthy negotiations. 
 
Shendi is a consortium controlled by four large government-owned companies: Shanghai Media Group; hotelier Jin Jiang International, controlled by the city of Shanghai; supermarket-to-department store operator Bailian Group, and property developer Lujiazui Development Group. 
(Reuters)

It's a bet on China's middle class and booming domestic tourism but competition from billionaire developers making homegrow parks is intense

Walt Disney Co has opened the gates to its first theme park in China, prompting a rush from thousands of Mickey Mouse enthusiasts to be the first to storm Treasure Cove, ride the Roaring Rapids or visit Disney's tallest castle. Disney's largest overseas investment at $5.5 billion, the park is a bet on China's middle class and booming domestic tourism. The US firm hopes it will offset an otherwise lacklustre international theme park business, better known for cash-burning sites such as Euro Disney. "China obviously represents incredible potential for the Walt Disney Company," chief executive Bob Iger told reporters at the park. Flanked by officials from local government partners today Iger cut a ribbon to officially open the resort - nearly two decades after he first scoped out the site in 1999. Not everything has gone quite to plan though. The opening gala - meant to be a bonanza of fireworks, live music and dance - was rained off on Wednesday night, while at Disney's park in Orlando, Florida, a young boy was grabbed by an alligator and killed. Disney, however, sees China as its greatest business opportunity since Walt Disney bought land in central Florida in the 1960s for what is now Walt Disney World - the world's most-visited theme park. The firm estimates 330 million people within a three-hour radius of Shanghai, the country's financial centre, will be able to afford to come to the park. Main Street has been replaced by Mickey Avenue to reduce the feel of Americana while attractions include a Chinese-style Wandering Moon tea house, a Chinese Zodiac-themed garden and a Tarzan musical featuring Chinese acrobats. Already expanding The iconic US firm is already expanding the Shanghai site to keep the home crowd keen, in a country where competition from a plethora of local theme parks and domestic cartoon characters promises to be fierce. The park's seven square kilometre plot of land means there is plenty of space to expand, Iger told reporters. "There is actually construction going on this week. When we open we will continue the construction to expand what's on the opening day menu," he said. "We have plenty of space to do that and we believe we've got willing partners...We think we will probably do that sooner rather than later." Shanghai Disney could also help lure more consumers to its films. "Zootopia", "Captain America: Civil War", "The Jungle Book" and "Star Wars: the Force Awakens" are among the ten most-watched movies in China of 2016, reaping more than $690 million in ticket sales, according to Box Office Mojo. Characters from those films will feature at the Shanghai resort. Disney, though, is facing intense competition from billionaire developers building homegrown parks and from domestic cartoon characters. Consumers also have an ambivalent attitude to its products, with some being sceptical about American values overriding Chinese traditions and culture. Iger received a presidential welcome from Xi Jinping in May, and Disney has been granted "special" trademark protection. But China's main military newspaper has also warned that "Zootopia", a story about a rabbit police officer in an animal city, was a tool for spreading US propaganda and ideals. Furthermore, Disney will have to share the spoils. The resort is a joint venture with state-owned Shendi Group, which has a 57 per cent stake - a concession agreed during lengthy negotiations. Shendi is a consortium controlled by four large government-owned companies: Shanghai Media Group; hotelier Jin Jiang International, controlled by the city of Shanghai; supermarket-to-department store operator Bailian Group, and property developer Lujiazui Development Group. (Reuters)

Disney's China fairytale begins with $5.5 billion park opening, already eyes expansion

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