Disneyland Cast Members Vote to Authorize Strike
Disneyland Cast Members have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. The authorization passed with 99% of voting members in favor. This doesn’t mean Cast Members are on strike, and the Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee has warned members not to walk out until their union notifies them. The committee will meet with Disney early this week to continue negotiations.
“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. You will always be the first to know if we are taking action.”
Disney Workers Rising
The strike authorization doesn’t mean a strike is imminent. It’s a common negotiating tactic and usually passes with an overwhelming majority in favor.
Four unions, representing nearly 14,000 members, have been negotiating with Disney since April 24. Cast Members are fighting for fair wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases, and safer parks. The unions surveyed their members earlier this year to find that 28% have food insecurity, 33% have experienced housing insecurity, and 42% have had to miss work for medical treatment due to a lack of sick leave.
In June, Cast Members filed unfair labor practice charges against Disney. The union claims some Cast Members have been disciplined for wearing union buttons. The National Labor Relations Board is investigating those claims.
Cast Members are rallying around each other. An anonymous member shared the following with us: “To see the CMs unify in this way really warms my heart. Even a year ago I could never have expected a strike to be possible, but it goes to show how much people at Disneyland are fed up and the frustration is boiling over.”
Jessica Good, a Disney spokesperson, said the company values its employees. “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.
This would be the first strike at Disneyland in 40 years, and it could have a significant impact on park operations and guests. Park visitors are understandably worried about their upcoming vacations.
I hope they get everything . They deserve it . Any tips for people traveling though? I have a trip in 2 weeks I spent a year and a half and $10,000 planning for my sons 10th bday and I’m scared to death
— Grim (@GrimGrinningGuy) July 20, 2024
The anonymous Cast Member shared why negotiations are so important:
“If the strike happens, I don’t think Disney is prepared for how difficult it will be to try and stay business as usual. Especially if it coincides with the D23 Expo. It’d be complete chaos. Even if only 50% of those who voted yes walked, Disney couldn’t function.”
Disney says that they have plans in place should a strike occur and are confident they can offer the same level of service guests have come to expect.
Disneyland’s Cast Member contract expired on June 16. The contract for Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney employees doesn’t expire until September 30. The two sides will continue negotiating on Monday and Tuesday.
