Disneyland’s largest union has authorized a strike involving over 9,000 cast members, sparking concerns about potential labor disruptions during ongoing contract negotiations. Despite the looming threat, Disneyland continues operations, urging guests to remain flexible.
As negotiations for better working conditions progress, Disneyland remains open, offering a magical experience for visitors while addressing critical employee concerns
Highlights
- Disneyland”s largest union authorizes a strike with over 9,000 cast members amid contract negotiations.
- Disney faces a potential labor disruption but is currently continuing operations; guests should be prepared for flexibility.
- Despite some concerns, Disneyland remains open for guests as negotiations for better working conditions are ongoing.
As the summer starts to fade into the Halloween and holiday season at Disneyland Resort, guests may be forced to experience a less-than-magical trip to Disneyland. In the wake of ongoing contract negotiations, members of the Disneyland union coalition have almost unanimously voted to authorize a strike.
While the Disneyland Resort offers guests discounts and incentives to visit the California parks during a hot and slow summer, Disneyland cast members and their unions are fighting for better working conditions. Disneyland’s largest union represents over 9,000 cast members across ride operators, parking attendants, merchandise retailers, custodians, and many more, just within Disneyland Park. The contract between the union and Disneyland expired on June 16, 2024, with negotiations for a new contract going as far back as April. The contract covering cast members at Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney expires on September 30, 2024, which could see over 14,000 cast members prepared to strike if negotiations continue much longer.
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As reported by the Orange County Register, on July 19, 2024, the Master Services Council, the union representation covering thousands of Disneyland cast members across four unions, held a vote for strike authorization, which received a 99% approval response. As of yet, no date for the strike has been set and officials from Disney are expected to meet with representatives from the union on July 22 and 23 to continue negotiations, which include wage increases, improved safety measures, attendance policies, and other benefits.
Disneyland Faces Strike Authorization After Difficult Year
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Last year, Disneyland Paris faced several strikes and protests from cast members, which saw the disruption and cancelation of several shows, parades, and other events. The SAG-AFTRA and WGA unions also shut down and severely impacted film, television, and video game productions, including several projects under the Walt Disney Company umbrella. With the Disneyland California unions representing over 14,000 employees across the two parks and downtown Disney area, a call to strike could once again severely impact operations within the company as well as Disneyland guest experiences. However, Disneyland spokesperson Jessica Good seemed unfazed by the vote, saying in a released statement that the authorization is “not unusual as part of a negotiations process.” As unlikely as it may be that a strike is actually called for, the 99% authorization shows that the cast members are determined to have their concerns met.
The Walt Disney Company announced thousands of layoffs last year while facing the unionization of several departments across the various Disney sectors. It has also received much criticism over the last few years, the most recent of which was in response to the complete overhaul of the Genie+ Lightning Lane system in the parks, which goes into effect this month. With no strike date set, the Disneyland Resort will continue to welcome guests with no disruption to daily operations, although a labor halt can now be called at any time due to the authorization, so parkgoers should be prepared to be flexible if planning a Disney trip in the coming weeks.
Disney
Disney is a conglomerate and media company that owns a variety of television stations like ABC, Disney Channel, and Disney XD. They are also owners of the Marvel and Star Wars franchises and own the ever-popular Disney theme parks found all around the world.
