Disneyland Employees Authorize Strike, Cite Unfair Labor Practices
Thousands of Disneyland theme park employees in California have authorized a strike against the company due to unfair labor practices.
Four unions representing over 14,000 workers reported that their members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strike authorization, citing claims of unfair labor practices during recent contract negotiations. The unions stated that Disney’s actions “interfered with the unions getting the fair contract cast members deserve,” with 99% of voting members supporting the strike.
“Today’s overwhelming unfair labor practice strike authorization vote sends a clear message to the company: we are stronger together and will not be divided by scare tactics,” said the Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee in a statement on Friday. “We make the theme parks’ profits and the magic you find across the resort. But instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney is intimidating, surveilling, and unlawfully disciplining members, harming our negotiations and our ability to get the contract we deserve.”
While the authorization does not guarantee an imminent strike, it does mean that the unions can call one at any time if negotiations do not progress. If a strike occurs, it would be the first at Disneyland in 40 years.
David Hernandez, a member of the bargaining committee, expressed the frustration of the workers: “We are fed up with being pushed around by Disney and are ready to fight back against its unfair labor practices.”
The unions have been negotiating with Disney since late April. After workers filed complaints alleging unfair labor practices, these claims are currently under investigation by the National Labor Relations Board. In addition to the strike authorization, Disney employees have been seen protesting outside the theme park, demanding higher wages and a rejection of anti-union practices. Union members are seeking “fair wages,” a fair attendance policy, seniority increases, and safe working conditions.
A Disney representative responded to the situation in a statement to CBS News, saying, “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.”
