Performers who give life to beloved Disney characters in Southern California theme parks petitioned to form a labor union on Wednesday.

The workers, including parade performers, character actors, and support staff at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, have filed a petition, with over two-thirds of the roughly 1,700 eligible workers signing it. The petition seeks an election through the National Labor Relations Board, expected in May or June.

The Magic United Movement

During a news conference in Anaheim, where the two theme parks and Downtown Disney are located, workers also requested that The Walt Disney Co. recognize the union they are naming Magic United.

Many workers love creating magical experiences for Disneyland visitors. Still, concerns arose when they were asked to resume hugging patrons amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They faced various challenges, including injuries from costumes, unpredictable schedules, and inadequate communication from management.

The majority of the over 35,000 workers at the Disneyland Resort, which encompasses the theme parks, are already unionized. The parade and character workers, representing theatrical performers at Disney's Florida theme parks, announced their intention to unionize in February under the Actors' Equity Association.

A Decade-Long Struggle to Be Heard

Disney officials supported the cast members' right to a confidential vote on Wednesday, acknowledging their choices.

Despite a decline in union membership in the United States over several decades, an increase in public support has been particularly evident during high-profile contract negotiations involving Hollywood studios and Las Vegas hotels in recent years, with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), responsible for safeguarding workers' right to organize, reported over 2,500 filings for union representation during the 2023 fiscal year, marking the highest in eight years.

Disney has a significant presence in Anaheim, with Disneyland being the company's oldest park. In 2022, Disneyland was ranked as the world's second-most visited theme park, welcoming 16.8 million visitors, according to a report by the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM.

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Alleged Employee Grievances

Disney's cleaning crews, food service workers, pyrotechnic specialists, and security staff are already part of unions in California. However, in recent years, the company has faced allegations of not providing a livable wage for Southern California workers despite earning significant profits.

Wage disputes have even led to legal battles. Parade performers and character actors receive a base pay of $24.15 per hour, with additional premiums for various roles that can differ significantly, according to workers. The base pay was $20 per hour before January.

Character and parade performers in California have been organizing for more than 40 years after those in Florida, who portrays Mickey, Goofy, and Donald Duck, were organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a union representing transportation workers. The Florida performers raised concerns about dirty costumes and mistreatment from guests at that time, including children who would kick the shins of Disney villains like Captain Hook.

Kate Shindle, president of Actors' Equity, expressed confidence that the California workers would succeed in their election through the NLRB, the federal agency responsible for safeguarding workers' rights to organize. Shindle informed reporters, surrounded by over a dozen Disney workers wearing blue T-shirts adorned with union slogans, that the workers seek fair compensation, a more humane scheduling system, workplace safety assurances, and clear, respectful communication.

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