Photo credit: la.eater.com
On July 19, Disneyland workers in Anaheim cast their votes in favor of a strike, potentially impacting operations at the renowned theme park in Southern California.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a remarkable 99 percent of voting members of the Master Service Council, which encompasses unions representing a wide array of roles including attractions, food services, and custodial positions, supported the strike authorization. This move comes during negotiations for a labor contract that recently lapsed on June 16. Workers have indicated their need for improved wages and other support as many face challenges related to food and housing insecurity. The last significant strike at Disneyland occurred in 1984, lasting 22 days.
A spokesperson for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents Disneyland staff, remarked to Eater that the union would refrain from further comments beyond their press release issued on the day of the vote. Disneyland’s website states that business operations will persist even if a strike is declared. Jessica Good, a spokesperson for Disneyland Resort, expressed appreciation for the contributions of cast members and reaffirmed their commitment to reaching an agreement that benefits both workers and the operation’s future. She characterized the strike authorization as a normal part of negotiations and confirmed ongoing discussions were planned for July 22 and 23.
NBC News detailed that the unions began negotiations with Disney on April 24, 2024. They previously expressed optimism about achieving a fair contract. In initial discussions, unions proposed various enhancements, including increased wages, revisions to attendance policies, and clearer paths for career advancement.
The union has voiced concerns that despite Disneyland’s rising profits, its workforce is still grappling with financial insecurity, primarily due to low wages. In June, the union opted not to accept a contract extension, fearing it could undermine their negotiation leverage. During that same month, workers filed allegations of unfair labor practices against Disney, claiming intimidation and other retaliatory measures were taken against those displaying union support. Over 500 employees reported sanctions related to wearing union buttons, a claim Disney disputes. According to Disneyland’s FAQs, these pins contradict the company’s appearance standards intended to enhance the guest experience. The National Labor Relations Board is currently investigating these allegations, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Following negotiations in June, UFCW indicated that some advancements were made regarding contract language, yet no agreement was finalized by the deadline. On July 9, UFCW announced the intention to vote on a strike concerning alleged unfair labor practices. A week later, on July 17, over 1,000 Disneyland employees participated in a rally outside the park’s main entrance to voice their support for the strike.
The Los Angeles Times also reported on a 2023 ruling by a California appellate court indicating that Disneyland had failed to comply with Anaheim’s living wage policy, which mandated a pay increase. At that time, the city’s minimum wage was $19.40, while one Disneyland employee noted her rate was only $15.50, notwithstanding potential tips. Although Disney claims that staff wages have gone up by more than 40 percent over the past five years, the union contends that many workers continue to face financial struggles despite the park’s rising revenue.
In recent years, Disneyland has experienced significant expansions and updates, investing heavily in new attractions and themed areas. Reports indicate that Disney allocated $142 million to revamp Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with the Galaxy’s Edge area costing around $1 billion. In April 2024, Anaheim also approved a $2 billion expansion plan for the park, a decision supported by labor leaders who anticipate job creation opportunities. One local UFCW negotiator, Colleen Palmer, highlighted the disparity in pay between rank-and-file employees and executives, pointing out Disney CEO Bob Iger’s annual compensation of $31.6 million, which contrasts sharply with what front-line workers earn.
Discussions between the unions and Disney are set to continue on July 22 and 23, with no specific strike date established at this time.
Source
la.eater.com