14,000 Disneyland Workers Compelled to Vote on Strike as Negotiations Move ‘Slower Than A Turtle’

By Moon Harper

Jul 10, 2024 10:16 AM EDT

Disneyland Mascots — (Photo : Photo by Bo shou)

According to a press release, a coalition of labor unions representing thousands of Disneyland workers will vote next week to authorize a strike following allegations against Disney of unlawful conduct during contract negotiations.

A Strike Authorization to Make Voices Heard

The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83, the Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW), the Teamsters Local 495, and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324, collectively representing 14,000 cast members at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the Disney hotels announced a scheduled strike authorization vote for Disneyland cast members, citing hundreds of labor violations by Disney during negotiations, which the unions claim have hindered their efforts to secure a fair contract for cast members.

The unions have been negotiating with the corporate giant since April, but the company hasn't budged on multiple important issues.

At the same time, other workers in the park just won a different effort to unionize.

We recently spoke to them: pic.twitter.com/5wakp4efxS
— More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) July 9, 2024

The Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee is determined not to settle for less than they deserve. They highlight that Disney undermining their rights only hinders their ability to effectively serve guests and maintain park safety. As their contract has expired, they plan to conduct a vote next week on authorizing a strike, intending to make sure Disney understands the voices of Disneyland's cast members.

According to the statement, the union's objective throughout negotiations has been to achieve an agreement with Disney that ensures cast members receive wages sufficient to live in Southern California, the respect commensurate with their years of dedication to the company, and an attendance policy that balances the needs of everyone while ensuring the safety of park guests.

Disney Workers' Negotiation for Enhanced Workplace Experience

The workers of Disney's largest bargaining unit in California, encompassing a wide range of roles from custodians and ride operators to candy makers and merchandise clerks, began negotiations with the company on April 24, advocating for fair wages, an equitable attendance policy, seniority increases, and enhanced safety measures for both cast members and guests in the parks.

In May, Disney cast members announced that they had filed unfair labor practice charges against Disney on behalf of 14,000 resort workers, alleging unlawful discipline, intimidation, and surveillance of 675 cast members who were exercising their right to wear union buttons at work.

A 'Slower Than Turtle' Progress

Cindy Marquez, a member of the bargaining committee speaking with USA TODAY, expressed frustration that meetings with the company have been progressing slower than a turtle, which might require more than 25 additional meetings before employees can achieve livable wages.

The unions informed Disney they were at a standstill until the company took their demands seriously. A company's success hinges on the work done on the ground level. "It shouldn't be the top getting wealthy" but should be spread throughout the entire park, ensuring employees come to work feeling content, healthy, and motivated, Marquez added.

Hilary Plata, an attractions hostess at Pirates of the Caribbean who worked at the park for 18 years, shared that she had to live in her car for over a month because she could not afford to live in Southern California despite working 50 hours a week.

Plata's career revolves around bringing joy and fulfilling dreams. According to her, Disneyland visitors seek kindness and magic, which she and her colleagues strive to deliver, insisting all Disneyland workers deserve fair compensation, fair treatment, and recognition as real people.

The contract for cast members at Disneyland expired on June 16, while the contract for Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney cast members is set to expire on September 30.

Results of the strike authorization vote are anticipated to be announced by July 20, following the conclusion of voting and notification of cast members by the unions, according to the release.