Trade unions representing 14,000 cast members at Disneyland have voted to authorise a potential strike as contract negotiations continue.
The Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee, a coalition of four unions, represents 14,000 workers at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disneyland hotels.
Union members voted 99 percent in favour of authorising a strike on Friday (19 July) amid negotiations over a new union contract, which started in April this year.
The Disneyland contract expired on 16 June. The Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney contracts expire on 30 September.
“We stood up and showed Disney that we won’t sit by and allow them to intimidate, surveil and unlawfully discipline cast members for exercising their rights,” the Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee said in a statement.
“This does not mean we are on strike. This vote simply allows us to take action if Disney continues to silence cast members and prevent us from getting the contract we deserve.”
The unions, which filed unfair labour practice charges against Disney in May, are asking for fair wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases, and safe theme parks for staff and guests.
The coalition said “a strike is always a last resort”. Disney negotiators and union officials are scheduled to meet again today (22 July) and tomorrow (23 July) to “bargain in good faith”.
Negotiations continue today, 22 July
It added, “If Disney is not prepared to agree to the offer you deserve after two more days of bargaining, we will move forward with the actions we need to take and that you have overwhelmingly voiced your support for.”
Disney said in a separate statement: “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.
“A strike has not been scheduled, and Disneyland Resort continues to welcome guests.”
If a strike does go ahead, it would be Disneyland’s first in 40 years.
Images courtesy of Disney
