125,000 Disney employees to receive $1,000 cash bonus, company launches new $50 million education program

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Chief executive officer and chairman of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger and Mickey Mouse look on before ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), November 27, 2017 in New York City.

Disney announced Tuesday it will pay over 125,000 employees a one-time cash bonus of $1,000, as well as make a new $50 million investment into education program for employees.

“We are directing approximately $125 million to our cast members and employees across the country and making higher education more accessible with the launch of this new program,” CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.

The bonus applies any full-time and part-time employees who have been working for Disney since before January 1. Those eligible will receive the bonus in two parts, with one in March and the other in September. Executive level employees are exempt.

Disney’s education initiative will be available to nearly 88,000 hourly employees in the U.S.

“Participants can pursue qualifying higher education or vocational training, including courses unrelated to their current responsibilities at Disney,” the company said in a statement.

It will not affect Disney’s ongoing education reimbursement program, the company noted, which will continue to be open to all full-time employees.