Disneyland employees vote on union strike over unfair practices

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA — Nearly half of the employees at Disneyland, Disneyland California Adventure and Downtown Disney may go on strike over “unfair labor practices,” union officials said Tuesday.

The news comes after Disneyland union officials announced Tuesday that they had approved a strike vote.

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The workers said their contract at the Orange County theme park expired on June 16 for some employees and September 30 for others, and they have been in negotiations with the company since April 24.

The unions represent 14,000 local workers at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disney hotels. The unions represent workers ranging from janitors and ride operators to candy makers and merchandise clerks.

Unions have also filed lawsuits alleging unfair labor practices.

“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,” union leaders said in a statement.

The unions said the company was instead “guilty of several instances of conduct that we believe constitute unfair labor practices, including unlawful disciplinary actions and intimidation, as well as surveillance of union members who exercised their right to wear union badges at work.”

A vote on whether there will be a strike will be held next week, officials said.

Disneyland officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.