Disneyland Character Actors Push for Union Vote

People walk toward an entrance to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., on April 24, 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Employees at Disneyland who portray the iconic characters of the theme park are pushing for a vote to determine whether they'll join the Actors’ Equity Association, a nationwide union representing performers ranging from Broadway actors to entertainers in Los Angeles.

The initiative for unionization surfaced in February after similar endeavors faltered before reaching the filing stage. However, on Wednesday, the union announced a significant milestone, submitting cards signed by over two-thirds of the 1,700 employees to the National Labor Relations Board, urging an election.

Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association, emphasized the historical nonunion status of the Disneyland Resort’s character performers, known as “cast members” in Disney parlance.

“The Cast Members who bring the Characters and Parades to life have been non-union since Disneyland Resort opened in the 1950s and have watched other workers in the park unionize all around them. Just eight weeks after Equity launched a campaign seeking union authorization cards, we have signatures from a supermajority of those eligible,” Ms. Shindle said during a press conference.

In the past year, unionization efforts gained momentum, bolstered by victories that secured substantial pay raises for union members. Notably, contracts covering 32,000 hourly workers at Disney World in Florida led to raises amounting to $3 per hour by the end of the previous year and a projected increase of approximately 37 percent by 2026, CNN reported.

Other Disney Unions

Despite over a dozen existing unions representing various Disneyland employees—including retail staff, food service workers, security personnel, and others—character performers remain unrepresented. This contrasts with some other Disney parks where performers in similar roles are unionized.

The call for unionization stems from the desire for collective bargaining, as articulated by Ms. Shindle, aiming for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions. However, Disney refrained from immediate comment on the filing, maintaining a stance supportive of the cast members’ right to a confidential vote.

While recent wage hikes elevated the pay of performers within the proposed bargaining unit to $24.15 per hour from $20, the adjustment still falls short of addressing the cost of living, particularly in Southern California, according to CNN. Many employees, often part-time workers, struggle to afford independent living arrangements.

“Our goal is to make ’the happiest place on Earth' a little happier,” Ms. Shindle said. “Equity has a very good relationship with Disney. We negotiate with them at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and with Disney Theatricals on Broadway and national tours. We look forward to meeting with their representatives across the bargaining table, and together, making the Disneyland Resort a fairer and safer place to work.”

Some employees said workplace safety issues influenced their desire to form a union.

A Disney spokesperson told CNN there are existing safety protocols and avenues for employees to voice concerns, emphasizing the company’s commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive work environment.

Looking ahead, unionization could lead to changes in the workplace, such as increased communication between employees and management and adjustments to pay structures.

The Epoch Times contacted Disneyland for a comment, but the company did not respond before press time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.