Four unions representing 14,000 Disneyland Resort employees have scheduled a strike authorization vote for next week after filing a series of complaints against the theme park in May.
The employees represented, whom Disney refers to as cast members, include food and beverage and retail workers employed throughout the theme park complex. They have been negotiating a new contract with Disney since April, demanding wage increases, safety improvements and more.
The unions involved are Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco and Grain Millers Local 83, Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West, Teamsters Local 495 and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324.
In May, union representatives said they filed an unfair labor practices complaint against Disney on behalf of the 14,000 cast members for “unlawful discipline, intimidation and surveillance of union members exercising their right to wear union badges at work.”
The National Labor Relations Board is currently investigating the allegations.
“We will not accept less than we deserve because we know our value to Disney. Theme park profits come from our hard work to make a trip to Disneyland a magical experience for guests,” the Disney workers’ bargaining committee said in a statement.
“By infringing on our rights, Disney has only made it harder for us to fight to help our guests and keep our parks safe. That’s why we’re forced to vote next week on whether to authorize a strike after our contract expires.”
The current contract for Disneyland Cast Members expires on June 16, 2024, and for Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney Cast Members, it expires on September 30, 2024.
The results of the vote are expected to be announced by July 20.
“Negotiations between Disneyland Resort and the Master Services Council, which represents four major unions and nearly 14,000 Disneyland Resort employees, including attractions, candy, costume, concierge, front gate, parking, resort transportation, store operations, Team Centers and the Anaheim Distribution Center, began in late April 2024 and discussions have continued over the past several months. The official Disneyland Park Master Services Council contract expired on June 16, after the Master Services Council declined to extend the contract,” Disneyland Resort officials said in a statement to KTLA.
“We respect and value our Team Members and recognize the important role they play in creating happiness for our Guests. With the next meeting scheduled for July 22, we remain committed to continuing discussions and reaching an agreement with the Master Services Council that focuses on what matters most to our current Team Members, helps us attract new Team Members and positions Disneyland Resort for growth and new job creation.”
Disneyland Resort previously told KTLA that starting rates for the positions range from $19.90 to $25 per hour and that the resort offers a “robust” benefits package and additional resources for cast members.
The latest strike authorization comes during Disneyland’s peak summer season and after Disneyland staff members, particularly those working in the resort’s Character and Parades departments, announced plans to unionize in February.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Disney theme park workers have not walked off the job since a major 22-day strike in 1984.
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News Source : ktla.com
