Disneyland Employees Rally for Fair Wages, Chant ‘Shut it Down’ Ahead of Strike Vote
On Disneyland’s 69th anniversary, over 14,000 Disney employees represented by four unions staged a protest outside the Anaheim theme park. The demonstration was a precursor to a planned strike vote, with workers demanding improved wages, enhanced safety measures, and other benefits during contract negotiations.
Union members rallied at the park’s entrance, voicing their concerns and seeking public support for their cause.
Related – Disneyland Union Cast Members Hand Out Buttons to Theme Park Visitors
Union members amplified their voices using a sound system positioned outside the Disneyland security checkpoint. As guests entered and exited the theme park, they delivered speeches outlining their demands, according to the Orange County Register.
The protest continued on Harbor Boulevard, with union members voicing their demands through chants such as “If we don’t get it, shut it down.” Social media platforms saw several Disneyland visitors sharing videos of the rally.
The Master Services Council, representing 14,000 Disneyland employees across four unions, is set to conduct a strike authorization vote on Friday. Results from the vote are expected to be released by Saturday. The participating unions include Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 83, Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West, Teamsters Local 495, and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324.
“With yesterday’s rally, we continue to be focused on the wellbeing of our guests and cast members. We remain committed to the upcoming meetings on July 22 – 23 and reaching an agreement with Master Services that focuses on what matters most to cast members, positions Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation and enables us to continue delivering incredible guest experiences,” Disneyland officials said in a statement.
Disneyland Resort has previously disclosed that their starting wage rates for various positions span from $19.90 to $25 per hour. Additionally, the resort emphasizes offering a comprehensive benefits package and supplementary resources to support its employees, referred to as cast members.
In May, union representatives took action by filing unfair labor practice charges against Disney on behalf of the 14,000 cast members. These charges allege “unlawful discipline, intimidation, and surveillance” of union members who exercised their right to display union-related items while at work.
The recent strike authorization arrives amidst Disneyland’s peak summer season, following the February announcement of unionization efforts by Disneyland cast members, specifically those employed in the resort’s Characters and Parades departments.
Disney Cast Members haven’t walked off the job since 1984 when there was a 22-day strike.
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