Four unions representing more than 14,000 workers at Disney’s theme parks and resort properties in Southern California have voted to authorize a strike. The workers, including custodians, ride operators, candymakers, and merchandise clerks, have been negotiating their contract with Disney since April 24. The unions have cited alleged unfair labor practices during negotiations, including economic hardship for their members such as food and housing insecurity.
The workers claim that Disney has engaged in conduct that they allege are unfair labor practices, such as unlawful discipline, intimidation, and surveillance of union members. The National Labor Relations Board is currently investigating these charges. The unions also mentioned that 64% of cast members are spending more than half of their monthly paychecks on rent, and highlighted the economic struggles faced by Disneyland employees.
Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good stated that a strike authorization is not unusual during negotiations, and that both sides are still scheduled for negotiations on Monday and Tuesday. The last strike at Disneyland occurred 40 years ago in 1984.
If a strike does happen, it would impact Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, the Downtown Disney retail district, and Disney-owned hotels. The unions involved in this labor dispute 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.
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