On July 17, 2024, cast members of the Disneyland Resort who are part of unions that represent them protested their current wages and also against alleged anti-union practices by the company. This comes ahead of a vote to authorize a strike on July 19th. The cast members were dressed in their costumes, waving signs showing their displeasure. Approximately 200 were in attendance at the protest that started on Disney Way and moved onto Harbor Boulevard.
The protest was organized by four unions representing approximately 9,000 cast members at the Disneyland Resort. These cast members were covered by the Disneyland Park Master Services Council contract. This contract expired on June 16, 2024. There is no contract extension in place. After the contract expired, the union’s obligation to maintain labor peace ended, which created the potential for the union to call a strike with proper authorization from its membership. On Friday, these cast members will vote to authorize a strike. If they do, the unions would then determine the terms and duration. The vote comes after months of negotiations between the unions and the Disneyland Resort that began in April. With no agreement being reached, unions have accused Disney of intimidating employees. It is alleged that Disney has reprimanded and issued warnings to over 500 cast members for wearing a union pin that features an image of Mickey Mouse’s glove clenched in the shape of a fist. The National Labor Relations Board is investigating these claims.
Disney, for its part, has a long tradition of the “Disney Look.” This is something that Disney is very intentional about and helps make the guest experience immersive and uphold the statement that guests pass under when they enter Disneyland and see the plaque that says, “Here you Leave Today and Enter the World of Yesterday, Tomorrow and Fantasy.” With this in mind, anything that distracts from the show or story, be it a non-approved button, pin or sticker worn by a cast member, would be addressed by a leader.
Cast members who wear something not part of an approved Disney Look costume would lead to a leader asking for it to be removed. Disney leaders have been doing this to maintain the integrity of the show. The only time that a disciplinary action would be dispensed is after repeated violations. In this case, a verbal warning is what is what starts the process. Currently, only a handful of disciplinary actions have been given.
In response to today’s protest, Disneyland Officials said, “With today’s rally, we continue to be focused on the wellbeing of our guests and cast members. We remain committed to the upcoming meetings on July 22 – 23 and reaching an agreement with Master Services that focuses on what matters most to cast members, positions Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation and enables us to continue delivering incredible guest experiences.”
The protests saw cast members marching on Disney Way, Harbor Boulevard, and then toward the west entrance of the Disneyland Resort. They stopped just before the security checkpoint. They moved to another parking lot nearby for speeches.
Union members had fliers that they were handing out during the protest as well. They said:
Support Disney Cast Members!
We are over 13,000 Disney Cast Members who come to work every day to bring your family a magical experience. We are protesting Disney’s unfair labor practices and fighting for a fair contract that respects the work we do and provides us with the waes and benefits we need to raise our families.
We love Disney and being a part of your special memories, so that’s why we rae calling on Disney to put guests and Cast Members first!
Stand with us to improve our parks.
Sign the petition here
Cast Members Deserve:
- Fair Wages
- Seniority Increases
- Fair Attendance Policy
- Safe Parks
Take a picture wearing your button and post it on social media with the hashtag #ISupportDisneyCastMembers
The Disneyland Resort has cast members who are represented by 26 unions. In fact, 80% of cast members are represented by unions. In the last five years, cast member wages have gone up by over 40%. This represents start rates that are 25% – 40% over minimum wage.
Daps Magic will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
