Disneyland Resort workers are one step closer to a strike, which could stall operations at Disneyland theme parks and resorts in the US.
Disneyland Workers Vote for Strike Authorization
Workers at Disneyland have voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike against their employer this week after negotiations for better wages and working conditions have continuously fallen through.
99% of Members Vote Yes
Thousands of people are employed by the major theme parks and resorts owned by the Walt Disney Company, and nearly 99% of union members voted to authorize the strike, according to a union statement given on Friday.
Making Their Voices Heard
“Today Disneyland Park cast members made their voices heard by voting to authorize the Disney Workers Rising bargaining committee to call for a strike to protest unfair labor practices by 99%,” the union UFCW Local 324 wrote.
No More Intimidation
“We stood up and showed Disney that we won’t sit by and allow them to intimidate, surveil, and unlawfully discipline cast members for exercising their rights,” they continued.
Four Unions
Four separate unions represent the more than 14,000 people working at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and Disney-owned hotels. They have been working together to negotiate with Disney since April 24, with no apparent success.
Members Across the Workplace
Each union represents employees across various departments: Attractions, Candy Makers, Costuming, Custodial, Main Entrance, Parking, Resort Transportation, Store Operations, Team Centers, and Anaheim Distribution Center.
The Master Services Council
The four unions have been directly represented by The Master Services Council in the bargaining process with Disneyland Resort.
What They Are Fighting For
Some of the issues that have been broached during meetings include at-work safety measures, allegedly harsh attendance policies, and low wages that have caused increased economic hardship for union members struggling with inflation and the increased cost of living in the US.
Barely Getting By
The UFCW shared details of one survey that shows that 73% of Disneyland cast members do not make enough money to cover their basic expenses.
Food and Housing Insecurity
28% have experienced food insecurity while working for Disney, and 33% have experienced housing insecurity.
Living Out of Cars
One custodial cast member working at Disney California Adventure released a union statement detailing the struggles of colleagues who live in cars and work multiple jobs just to keep themselves financially afloat while working for Disney.
Workers Are Worried
“I am worried as a future mom for the family I’m creating right now,” she said. “Disney can’t call themselves a family-friendly company while so many cast members and their families are struggling.”
No Guarantee of Strike
The UFCW Disney Contract Campaign Update also made sure to note that an authorization vote does not mean that a strike will take place, only that workers will be able to strike should the negotiation process continue to fail.
“Always a Last Resort”
“A strike is always a last resort, and we have committed to return to the bargaining table Monday and Tuesday prepared to bargain in good faith,” the union statement added.
First in 40 Years
If negotiations crumble in the coming weeks and a strike is triggered, it would be the first labor strike at Disneyland in more than 40 years.
22-Day Labor Stoppage
The last time Disneyland theme park and resort workers staged a walkout was in 1984, with the strike lasting for 22 days.
It’s Not Unusual
Disneyland Resorts has responded to the vote announcement, with spokesperson Jessica Good maintaining that it is “not unusual” for a strike authorization to be triggered during the negotiation process.
Keeping Commitments
“We greatly appreciate the important roles our cast members play in creating memorable experiences for our guests, and we remain committed to reaching an agreement that focuses on what matters most to them while positioning Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation,” she said.
Charges Filed in June
Official reports over recent unfair labor practices at Disney began last month when the Master Services Council filed charges against Disneyland Resort with the National Labor Relations Board over unfair labor practices.
Unlawful Discipline Claims
The unions maintained that managers had unlawfully disciplined workers for “exercising their right to wear union buttons at work.” Disney claimed that their union pins violated the staff dress code.
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