Disneyland cast members vote on strike authorization

Fourteen thousand Disneyland Resort employees will vote in the coming days on whether or not to authorize a strike.

Disneyland cast members vote on strike authorization

A vote to authorize a strike has been scheduled and the results are expected to be announced on July 20.

According to a report from Deadline, “Unions representing 14,000 employees at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Disney hotels began negotiations with the company on April 24, demanding what they say are fair wages, fair attendance policies, higher seniority rates and safe parks for employees and guests.”

Union representatives claim Disney refused to work with them, accusing the company of unfair labor practices, unlawful disciplinary actions, intimidation tactics and surveillance of union members who wore union badges while on the job.

Our negotiating goal has always been to reach an agreement with Disney – one that provides Cast Members with the wages they need to live in Southern California, the respect they deserve for the years they have dedicated to the company, and an attendance policy that works for everyone while ensuring the safety of park guests.

But instead of working with us toward a fair contract, Disney has engaged in several instances in what we believe constitute unfair labor practices, including unlawful disciplinary actions and intimidation, and surveillance of union members exercising their right to wear union badges at work. We know these actions are just an attempt to prevent us from exercising our rights and to force us into a contract that maintains the status quo at Disney.

Statement from Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee

Unions participating in the vote included Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83, Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW), Teamsters Local 495 and United Food and Commercial Workers (UCFW) Local 324. The contract of these Cast Members expired on June 16, while the contract of Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney District Cast Members expires on September 30.

We will not accept less than we deserve because we know how much we are worth to Disney. The theme parks’ profits come from our hard work making a trip to Disneyland a magical experience for guests. By undermining our rights, Disney has only made our fight to help our guests and keep our parks safe even more difficult. That’s why we are forced to vote next week on whether to authorize a strike when our contract expires. By voting to authorize a strike, we are ensuring that Disney hears the voices of Disneyland’s Cast Members.

Statement from Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee

Back in May 2024, a group called “Magic United,” representing over 1,700 Disneyland characters, show and parade performers, voted to unionize with Actors’ Equity. Since then, there have been several entertainment cuts across the resort that Disney says have nothing to do with the unionization. The planned strike will not include those workers.

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Cade Handley