Disneyland employees threaten strike over wages and treatment

According to the LA Times, employees at the Disneyland Resort – which consists of the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks – have not gone on strike since 1984 – Copyright AFP Frederic J. Brown

More than 200 Disneyland Resort employees protested outside the world-famous California theme parks on Wednesday, demanding better wages and condemning alleged anti-union practices at the company ahead of an upcoming strike vote.

The rally included employees dressed in costumes from the park’s rides with the themes “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars.” The rally was organized by unions representing around 14,000 Disneyland employees – from roller coaster operators to candy manufacturers.

Slogans on signs carried at the march in Anaheim, near Los Angeles, included “Mickey would want fair pay” and “Disney, don’t be the villain.”

“We deserve fair wages,” said 44-year-old Disneyland employee Ginny Cristales.

“A strike is our last resort and we don’t want to use it. But if Disney doesn’t give in and gives us what we need, then we’re ready.”

Disney has been negotiating with the four California unions that represent its park employees since April.

The talks have so far produced no results and the unions accuse the so-called “happiest place on earth” of intimidating employees.

Disney is said to have reprimanded and warned more than 500 employees for wearing a union button with an image of Mickey Mouse’s fist clenched in a glove.

“Last week I saw a manager tell one of the actresses to take off her name tag. He told her it would be on her file card,” Cristales said.

“She was stressed and scared.”

The allegations led to an investigation by the National Labor Relations Board.

Disney said the union buttons violated the “Disney look” dress code.

Workers will vote on a strike this Friday. If the strike is approved, the unions will then decide on the modalities and duration of the strike.

Contract negotiations with Disney are scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday.

– “We make the magic” –

After the devastating strikes by Hollywood actors and writers last year, another major strike at Disney would be historic.

According to the LA Times, employees at the Disneyland Resort – which consists of the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks – have not gone on strike since 1984.

But Cristales, a mother of four, said her monthly salary of $2,800 is not even enough to cover her family’s rent.

“We provide the magic, they make the money,” was one of the chants heard Wednesday as passing cars applauded.

“Disney invests $2 billion in its park but refuses to pay workers a living wage,” read the slogan on one protester’s T-shirt.

Protesters marched to the edge of the park and attempted to prepare for speeches, but were ordered by security personnel to move to a parking lot about 180 meters away.

“With today’s rally, we remain focused on the well-being of our guests and cast members,” Disney said in a statement Wednesday.

“We remain committed to our upcoming meetings on July 22 and 23 to reach an agreement with Master Services that focuses on what matters most to Cast Members, positions the Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation, and allows us to continue to deliver incredible experiences to our guests.”