Disneyland Workers Vote to Authorize Strike, Citing Unfair Labor Practices

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

A coalition of four unions representing 14,000 workers at Disney’s theme parks and resorts in Southern California said on July 19 that their members have voted to authorize a potential strike over what they called “unfair labor practices” by the company.

The coalition said that about 99 percent of the members of the union—which includes custodians, ride operators, candy makers, and merchandise clerks—voted in favor of the strike.

“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 coalition said in a statement.

The vote doesn’t mean a strike will occur immediately, but it gives union leaders that option if they fail to reach a deal with Disney. The coalition said a strike remains “a last resort” as negotiations continue.

Disneyland affirmed its commitment to reaching an agreement with the unions, with talks scheduled for July 22 and 23. The company said a strike authorization is “not unusual” during bargaining.

“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,” the company said in a statement.

“A strike has not been scheduled, and Disneyland Resort continues to welcome guests,” it added.

The vote came two days after over 1,000 workers rallied outside the main entrance of Disneyland Resort on its 69th anniversary on July 17, demanding better wages and working conditions.

“Cast members are scared of being retaliated against by Disney for their union activity and that’s preventing us from getting a contract that pays us living wages,” Ginny Cristales, one of the workers at the rally, said in a statement. “We make the magic happen. We are why Disneyland can celebrate its birthday today. And we need a fair contract that respects us and our work.”

The four unions —the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 83; the Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West; the Teamsters Local 495; and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324—have been in talks with the company since April 24.

The unions have said they want fair wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases, and safe parks for workers and guests.

In June, they filed unfair labor charges against Disney over 675 workers who were allegedly “intimidated, surveilled and disciplined” for wearing union buttons in support of their contract campaign.

The charges are being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board. The coalition said 73 percent of Disneyland workers reported not earning enough money to cover their basic monthly expenses.

The coalition said 28 percent of union members reported food insecurity and 64 percent of workers said they were “rent burdened,” spending over half of their monthly salary on rent.

“It’s unjust that the lowest-paid cast member would have to work 550 years straight without a day off to make what Disney CEO Bob Iger makes in one year,” Corina Ortega, one of the workers, said in a statement.

“We’re fighting to ensure the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ pays livable wages and treats workers fairly, so that this job doesn’t become a nightmare.”