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Disneyland workers vote to authorize strike, citing unfair labor practices

Posted on by angelo
Disneyland workers vote to authorize strike, citing unfair labor practices

Thousands of workers at Disney theme parks and resorts in Southern California announced Friday night that they have authorized a strike, citing alleged unfair labor practices during recent contract negotiations.

Four unions The association representing more than 14,000 workers at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Disney-owned hotels announced the strike, saying its members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strike after hundreds of alleged labor violations by Disney “have prevented unions from getting the fair contract that cast members deserve.” They said that of the members who participated in the vote, 99 percent voted in favor of authorizing the strike; however, the exact number was not released.

“Today’s overwhelming vote to authorize the unfair labor practices strike sends a clear message to the company: we are stronger together and will not be divided by fear tactics,” the Disney Workers’ Bargaining Committee said in a statement Friday, adding, “We deliver the profits of the theme parks and the magic you find throughout the resort. But instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney unlawfully intimidates, surveils and disciplines its members, undermining our negotiations and our ability to secure the contract we deserve.”

More than 400 Disney cast members gather outside the main gate of Disneyland ahead of the ULP strike authorization vote at Disneyland in Anaheim, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. / Credit: Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesMore than 400 Disney cast members gather outside the main gate of Disneyland ahead of the ULP strike authorization vote at Disneyland in Anaheim, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. / Credit: Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

More than 400 Disney cast members gather outside the main gate of Disneyland ahead of the ULP strike authorization vote at Disneyland in Anaheim, Wednesday, July 17, 2024. / Credit: Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The authorization does not mean a strike will take place immediately and the two sides could reach an agreement. If a strike takes place, it would be the first at Disneyland in 40 years.

“We are tired of being pushed around by Disney and are ready to fight back against its unfair labor practices,” bargaining committee member and monorail operator David Hernandez said in a statement.

Unions said they had been negotiating a new contract with Disney since April 24. Nearly two months later, on June 10, Disney employees announced they had filed a complaint against the company for unfair labor practices. The allegations, which involve more than 675 workers, are currently under investigation by the National Labor Relations Board.

Ahead of the vote, hundreds of Disneyland employees protested outside the world-famous theme park on July 17, demanding better wages and denouncing union-busting practices.

Disney employees hold signs as they gather outside the main gate of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 2024, ahead of a planned strike authorization vote. / Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty ImagesDisney employees hold signs as they gather outside the main gate of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 2024, ahead of a planned strike authorization vote. / Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Disney employees hold signs as they gather outside the main gate of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 2024, ahead of a planned strike authorization vote. / Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

A Disneyland representative told CBS News in a statement that the strike authorization is not unusual in a bargaining process and that the company looks forward to continuing discussions at upcoming meetings Monday and Tuesday.

“We greatly value the important role our stakeholders 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 representative said, adding that the parks continue to welcome guests.

The four unions representing the workers are the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83; the Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW); the Teamsters Local 495; and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324.

They said they were demanding fair wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases and secure parks for troupe members. The unions cited economic hardships facing their members, including food insecurity and housing insecurity.

“Instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney is unlawfully intimidating, monitoring and disciplining its members, thereby harming our negotiations and our ability to secure the contract we deserve,” the bargaining committee said.

The Disneyland staff contract expired on June 16, while the Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney employee contracts expire on September 30.

The negotiating committee said it was committed to negotiating Monday and Tuesday, but clarified that the strike authorization allowed it to call a strike at any time.

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