Disneyland Staff Authorizes Strike

Teamsters and union coalition demand fair wages and benefits, end to unfair labor practices

(ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Disneyland Teamsters have voted overwhelmingly 99 percent in favor of a strike. The decisive vote is a direct response to Disney management’s refusal to bargain in good faith and the company’s numerous unfair labor practices.

“Disney’s blatant disregard for workers’ rights during negotiations is simply unacceptable,” said Damascus Castellanos, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 495. “Our members will not be coerced by this media giant into accepting a contract that does not value or respect their work. We will fight back against these injustices and ultimately get a strong contract.”

In California, 6,000 of Disney’s 14,000 employees are Teamsters. At Disneyland, these workers, including parking and transportation staff, ride hosts and animal care workers, are fighting for higher wages, better benefits, fair attendance policies, seniority rights, safer working conditions and greater respect in the workplace.

“We are tired of being pushed around by Disney and are ready to fight back against their unfair labor practices,” said David Hernandez, monorail operator and union representative for Local 495. “Disney thinks they can force us to accept a substandard contract by violating our rights, but they are wrong. We are united, strong and ready to strike for the fair contract we deserve.”

“It’s time for Disney to start treating its employees with respect and getting serious at the bargaining table,” said Tommy Blitsch, director of the Teamsters Casino, Convention and Tradeshow Division. “Make no mistake, our members are ready to stand with their fellow union members to demand that this corporate giant treat us with respect and pay its fair share. We will accept nothing less.”

Disneyland cast members are represented by a coalition of unions consisting of Teamsters Local 495, Bakery, Confectionery, Tabacco Workers, and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83, Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW) and United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million workers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.