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Disneyland workers in Southern California have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a potential strike as their unions push for increased wages and better working conditions. The vote, announced by Disney Workers Rising—a coalition of four unions representing 14,000 workers at Disneyland, Disney hotels, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney—saw 99% of participating members backing the strike authorization. The exact number of participants in the vote was not disclosed.
The unions accuse Disney of unfair labor practices, including intimidation, surveillance, and unlawful discipline of members, which they claim undermines negotiations and hinders their ability to secure a fair contract. In a statement, the bargaining committee emphasized, "We make Disneyland the place for family vacations, birthdays, and celebrations. We make the theme parks' profits and the magic you find across the resort. But instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney is intimidating, surveilling, and unlawfully disciplining members, harming our negotiations and our ability to get the contract we deserve."
The decision to authorize a strike does not necessarily mean that cast members will walk off the job immediately, but it grants union leaders the authority to call for a strike if negotiations with Disney fail. The unions hope this vote will pressure the company to agree to their demands, following a rally at the resort entrance where union members displayed signs calling for fair pay.
Disney Workers Rising stated that unions are scheduled to meet with company representatives again on Monday and Tuesday, noting that "a strike is always a last resort." Disneyland expressed appreciation for its cast members in a statement, saying, "We greatly appreciate the important roles our cast members play in creating memorable experiences for our guests, and we remain committed to reaching an agreement that focuses on what matters most to them while positioning Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation."
Gavin Doyle, founder of the theme-park-centric media outlet MickeyVisit.com, believes both sides will avoid a strike or disruptions for guests, particularly with significant theme park announcements expected at the upcoming D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim. Disney has plans to expand and renovate its attractions, dining, retail, and hotel spaces as part of the DisneylandForward development initiative, and aims to invest approximately $60 billion in its theme park segment over the next decade.
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On Disneyland's 69th anniversary, hundreds of union members rallied outside the entrance, calling for increased wages and incentives for longtime employees. Cynthia Carranza, an overnight custodial worker at Disneyland, shared her struggles with management cutting hours and making employees train others to do their jobs, creating fear of being replaced. Despite enjoying her work, Carranza's wage—just over $20 an hour—led to her eviction from her apartment, forcing her to live in her car while working three jobs from July to November 2022.
Carranza now shares a studio apartment but continues to face issues of being overworked and underpaid. "We are the people that create the magic in the park," she said. "We are willing to do whatever it takes to move our contracts, to get respected, to earn a livable wage, to be valued."
A strike at Disneyland would have significant consequences for the company and the theme park industry. Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of International Theme Park Services, noted that Disney would face substantial challenges if over 14,000 cast members walked out during the peak summer season, disrupting millions of visitors and their travel plans.
Disney Workers United, also known as the Master Services Council, represents a diverse group of employees, from custodians and ride operators to candy-makers and merchandise clerks. The unions have been negotiating over wages and attendance policies since April, with 28% of Disney employees surveyed reporting food insecurity and a third experiencing housing insecurity.
The Disneyland Park contract expired last month, and the contract for Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney will expire on September 30. Unions accuse Disney of mistreating over 675 union members, alleging intimidation, surveillance, and discipline for wearing union buttons in support of their contract campaign.
As negotiations continue, the possibility of a strike remains, with both sides seeking a resolution that ensures fair compensation and working conditions for Disney's dedicated employees.
