On Wednesday, hundreds of Disneyland Resort employees staged a protest outside the iconic California theme parks, demanding better wages and condemning what they describe as anti-union practices by the company. This demonstration comes as employees prepare for a crucial strike vote.
The rally, featuring workers dressed in costumes from popular attractions such as the “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” rides, was organized by unions representing approximately 14,000 Disneyland employees.
These workers include rollercoaster operators, candy makers, and other essential staff. The protest took place in Anaheim, near Los Angeles, with demonstrators carrying signs that read “Mickey would want fair pay” and “Disney, don’t be the villain.”
“We deserve fair wages,” declared Ginny Cristales, a 44-year-old Disneyland employee. Cristales emphasized that while a strike is a last resort, it remains a necessary option if Disney fails to meet their demands.
“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.”
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Negotiations between Disney and the four California unions representing its park employees have been ongoing since April, but have yet to yield a resolution. The unions accuse the company, often referred to as the “Happiest Place in the World,” of intimidating employees.
There have been reports of Disney reprimanding and issuing warnings to more than 500 employees for wearing union pins featuring Mickey Mouse’s glove clenched in a fist.
Cristales recounted a recent incident where a manager instructed a cast member to remove her union badge, warning that failure to comply would result in a negative mark on her record.
“Last week, I saw a manager telling one of the cast members to remove her badge. He told her that it would be on her record card,” Cristales said. “She was stressed and she got scared.” These allegations have triggered an investigation by the National Labor Relations Board.
Disney has defended its actions, stating that the union buttons violate the company’s “Disney Look” dress code. Meanwhile, employees are set to vote on whether to authorize a strike this Friday. Should the vote pass, union leaders will then determine the specifics of the strike, including its duration and terms. Contract negotiations with Disney are scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday.
Cristales, a mother of four, highlighted the financial struggles faced by many employees, noting that her $2,800 monthly wage is insufficient to cover her family’s rent.
During the rally, chants of “We make the magic, they make the money” echoed through the streets, accompanied by supportive honks from passing cars. One protester’s T-shirt bore the slogan, “Disney will invest $2 billion in its park but refuses to pay workers a living wage.”
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In a statement issued on Wednesday, Disney reiterated its commitment to the wellbeing of both guests and cast members. “With today’s rally, we continue to be focused on the wellbeing of our guests and cast members,” the statement read.
“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.”
As tensions rise and the strike vote approaches, the Disneyland employees’ demand for fair wages and equitable treatment remains at the forefront of this unfolding labor dispute.