Disneyland, employees avert strike with tentative contract deal
Disneyland and its employees said they had reached a tentative contract deal, averting what could have been the first major work stoppage at the Anaheim theme park in 40 years.
Members of the Master Services Council — an alliance of unions representing custodians, ride operators, candy makers, merchandise clerks and other Disneyland employees — on Friday voted 99% in support of a walkout.
On Wednesday, the unions’ bargaining committee said it had reached an agreement with Walt Disney Co.
Disneyland workers are participating this week in a strike authorization vote amid contract negotiations with Disney.
“We achieved our goals — a three-year contract that contains significant wage increases for all cast members, seniority increases and the retention of premiums,” the committee said in a notice posted on union UFCW324’s website. “We also addressed issues that will make the attendance policy work better for cast members.”
Disneyland employees haven’t staged a major walkout since 1984. That work stoppage lasted 22 days. The Disneyland employee contract terminated on June 16, while the California Adventure and Downtown Disney agreements are set to expire Sept. 30.
“We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation,” Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good said in a statement.
Disneyland workers have voted in favor of a strike authorization, giving union leaders the option to stage a walkout if contract negotiations stall.
The strike vote was connected to unfair labor practice charges the Master Services Council filed with the National Labor Relations Board last month, accusing Disneyland of threatening to discipline hundreds of employees for wearing union buttons to work.
The Master Services Council maintains that wearing the buttons — which depict Mickey Mouse’s raised fist — is a protected form of union activity. The company has argued that the pins violate the staff dress code and that only “a handful” of repeat incidents have led to disciplinary action, starting with a verbal warning.
Disneyland workers were seeking wage increases to keep up with inflation and reward longtime employees, as well as enhanced safety measures and changes to the company’s attendance policy.
After filing a series of labor charges, a coalition of unions representing 14,000 Disney workers has scheduled a strike authorization vote for July 19.
During their contract campaign, workers engaged with resort guests by passing out the forbidden union buttons and encouraging them to sign a petition in solidarity. As of Friday, the petition had amassed more than 10,000 signatures, the union said.
Last week, hundreds of Disneyland Resort employees rallied outside the entrance to the main park in Anaheim. They carried picket signs bearing messages such as “Disney, don’t be the villain” and “Mickey would want fair pay!”
A ratification vote for the new Disneyland contract will be held Monday on resort property. About 9,500 Disneyland employees will have the opportunity to cast their ballots from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
