Disneyland employees rally for fair pay amidst strike threat in US
At least 200 Disneyland Resort employees on Wednesday protested outside the iconic California theme parks, demanding better wages and condemning what they allege are anti-union practices by the company.
According to AFP, this demonstration comes just ahead of a critical strike vote.
The rally, which featured employees dressed as characters from ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Star Wars’ rides, was organized by unions representing approximately 14,000 Disneyland workers, including rollercoaster operators and candy makers.
Protest signs carried messages such as ‘Mickey would want fair pay’ and ‘Disney, don’t be the villain’.
“We deserve fair wages,” declared Ginny Cristales, a 44-year-old Disneyland worker. She added, “A strike is our last resort, that we’re not wanting to do. But if Disney doesn’t comply and give us what we need, then we’re all ready.”
Negotiations between Disney and the four California unions representing its park employees have been ongoing since April, but no agreement has been reached. The unions accuse Disney, known as the “Happiest Place in the World,” of intimidating its employees. Over 500 workers have reportedly been reprimanded for wearing a union pin depicting Mickey Mouse’s glove clenched in a fist.
“Last week, I saw a manager telling one of the cast members to remove her badge. He told her that it will be on her record card,” Cristales recounted. “She was stressed and she got scared.”
These allegations have led to an investigation by the National Labor Relations Board. Disney claims the union buttons violate its “Disney Look” dress code.
Employees are set to vote on authorizing a strike this Friday. Should the vote pass, unions will then determine the specifics of the strike. Contract negotiations with Disney are scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday.
A large-scale walkout at Disney would be historic, following last year’s significant strikes by Hollywood actors and writers.
The last strike by Disneyland resort employees, which includes Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks, was in 1984, according to the LA Times.
Cristales, a mother of four, said her $2,800 monthly wage does not cover her family’s rent. Chants at the rally included, “We make the magic, they make the money,” and a protester’s T-shirt read, “Disney will invest $2 billion in its park but refuses to pay workers a living wage.”
Protesters marched to the park’s perimeter and attempted to set up for speeches but were redirected by security to a car park 200 yards away.
“With today’s rally, we continue to be focused on the wellbeing of our guests and cast members,” Disney stated on Wednesday. “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.”
