I feel like we to put it all in perspective. The company has not been employee friendly since AB lost control. We witnessed several rounds of layoffs (I believe 2010, 2014, 2016, 2019[call center]) which all lead up to the current situation (2020). Morale took a huge hit that never saw a full recovery as there was no sense of job security. This has since proven to be a true fear. The benefits eroded away annually and there was a constant denial of raises or underwhelming annual compensation increases.
It might seem long ago at this point, but do recall the crushing blow to morale that the new vacation policy (starting 2020) had on everyone. Remember when they tried to compare us to a Six Flags park financially when we inquired about raises and then raised ticket prices to content with Disney and UO because SW is a world class park of that caliber? Additionally, look how the park leadership roles have been a revolving door, including the highest ranks. We saw people put into leadership positions that they were ill equipped to handle because they needed to fill holes. This presented issues such as a lack of guidance concerning job duties as well as feeble attempts at motivation for their subordinates. All of this happened while the company tried to launch a service model (supposed servitude from the top down) which never actually took hold because most of the senior leaders acted as if that was beneath them. It is unfortunate that what should be a world class theme park is heading for the moderate class amusement park model.
The bitter pill for most of the regular workers was how adamant we were in defending the park against Blackfish, PETA, and Empty the Tank. It was worse when we watched the park refuse to defend itself for over a year after Blackfish. If the board had even an ounce of the passion we displayed in our loyalty, the park would be phenomenal. Instead, we had to watch how they have padded their own pockets in this epidemic while willingly kicking loyal ambassadors to the curb. We wanted the jobs we had to be fun. We wanted it to be like a family. We wanted trust, respect, loyalty, and compassion. But, we asked it of those too enamored with profit that we missed the soullessness of their gaze as they overlooked their most valuable asset, the ambassadors. They missed the idea that the workers serve the guests, the workers bring people back to the park, the workers defend the company at the front lines. Can they honestly hope to provide adequate motivate with such callus leadership?
It basically feels like beating a dead horse at this point. Was it nice to work with our peers and the animals? Yes. Do we all feel the company is unethical to those who kept it running and to those who continue to do so? Sure. Will they continue to bleed the turnips that are the ambassadors until they can cast them aside too? Probably. I just wish some of the senior leaders weren't so comfortable with their positions so that they might actually take a chance and show some backbone to defend those who use to look up to them.
My point is that we all felt like we were part of something. We developed relationships with peers (and animals) and had pride in the company. We then watched it slowly begin to crumble with time as the company began to resemble nothing more than a bad roommate or failing marriage. Much like the movie Office Space, people will begin to do just enough to keep from getting fired. They won't go above and beyond and it will reflect negatively in the guests experiences. If things are going to turn around (and I'm not sure that is actually the plan at this point) there will need an emphasis on respect and open, honest communication. Likewise, ambassadors will need to feel valued, nourished and secure in their positions.
I implore those at the highest levels of the company to understand you create ripples with your decisions that not only affect those you actually depend on, but reflect in the success or failure of the company. Those that have weathered the storms of the last several years did so because of their own passions. Prove to them that they are part of something more than a cold, calculating, profit-hungry business. The greater their involvement with a company they believe in, the more likely they are to help create a successful environment worthy of thriving profits. While I am no longer part of the current circus there, I do hope this makes it to someone with clout. If it does, I hope you remind others what things I mentioned the ambassadors have faced over the recent years and know that is only my exposure aforementioned. I'm sure there is a lot more.
Sorry if this appears to be a rant. I want the company to succeed, the employees to thrive, and the animals to have fun and exciting lives. It just appears that the foundation needs attention so it can be built back stronger. Anyway, good luck to all the ambassadors (past/present) on their future endeavors whether it is with SW or elsewhere. I hope your value will eventually find the proper reciprocation for the loyalty and dedication you have shown through the years.