Disneyland employees prepare for possible strike during collective bargaining

As thousands of Disneyland employees negotiate with the company over issues like higher wages, a possible strike is on the horizon. If the strike goes ahead, it would be the largest labor strike at Disneyland since the 1980s.

Coleen Palmer, a long-time employee with 37 years of experience working in the theme park’s gift shops, explained in a recent interview why she and her colleagues are preparing to walk away. Although she loves her job and working with children, Palmer is finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet on her salary, which also prevents her from affording the products she sells.

After nearly four decades of service, Palmer makes about $23 an hour, just above the highest starting wage of less than $20 an hour. That pay gap is a central point in union demands, which include higher pay, seniority bonuses and more sick days.

The unions representing the workers have also stressed that the workers are doing everything humanly possible to be hospitable in the “happiest place on earth” and that they should therefore be fairly rewarded for their efforts.

The Disneyland Resort has released a statement on the current situation, expressing its appreciation to its employees and working toward an agreement that focuses on what is most important to them while positioning the resort for growth and the creation of new jobs.

As negotiations continue, workers hope for recognition of their critical role in creating the Disney magic.

Something similar happened in June 2023, when Disneyland employees went on strike, claiming that this so-called land of magic and dreams is far from what it seems. Most of the disgruntled employees belonged to the maintenance, security and hospitality departments.

Workers at this popular tourist destination said their struggles were getting worse with each passing day, which is why they recently went on strike for the sixth time. Employees demanded better working conditions and higher wages to keep up with rising inflation.