Disneyland workers approve possible strike ahead of further collective bargaining

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) — Thousands of Disneyland employees voted late Friday for a possible strike as labor negotiations drag on.

The strike was approved overwhelmingly, with nearly 99 percent of members approving, the union said in a statement. The vote was conducted by a coalition of four unions representing 14,000 ride operators, store clerks, janitors, candy makers, ticket sellers, park attendants and other Disney employees.

“We make Disneyland the place for family vacations, birthdays and celebrations,” said a statement from the Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee. “We make the profits of the theme parks and the magic you find throughout the resort. But instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney intimidates, polices and unlawfully disciplines its members. This hurts our negotiations and our chance to get the contract we deserve.”

Union leaders now have the option to call a strike if they fail to negotiate a new collective agreement with Disney.

A statement from Jessica Good, a spokesperson for Disneyland Resort, said: “We greatly value the important role our employees play in creating unforgettable experiences for our guests and remain committed to reaching an agreement that focuses on what matters most to them while positioning Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation. The Master Services Council’s strike authorization is not unusual as part of a bargaining process and we look forward to continuing discussions at upcoming meetings on Monday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 23. A strike date has not yet been set and Disneyland Resort continues to welcome guests.”

Starting Monday, top representatives from both sides will return to the bargaining table. Union members have been negotiating with Disney since April over wage increases, safety measures, attendance policies and other benefits.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Disney is the parent company of this ABC channel.