Disneyland character and parade performers in California vote to affix labor union
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disneyland performers who assist carry Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and different beloved characters to life on the Southern California resort selected to unionize following a three-day vote culminating on Saturday.
The Actors’ Fairness Affiliation labor union mentioned in an announcement Saturday that solid members for the parades and characters departments at Disney’s theme parks close to Los Angeles voted by a large margin for the union to turn into the bargaining agent for the group of roughly 1,700 staff.
An affiliation web site monitoring the balloting amongst solid members indicated passage by 78.7% (953 votes) in favor and 21.3% (258 votes) opposed.
“They are saying that Disneyland is ‘the place the place desires come true,’ and for the Disney Solid Members who’ve labored to arrange a union, their dream got here true right now,” Actors’ Fairness Affiliation President Kate Shindle mentioned in an announcement Saturday evening.
Shindle known as the employees the “entrance strains” of the Disneyland visitor expertise. The affiliation and solid members will focus on enhancements to well being and safey, wages, advantages, working situations and job safety earlier than assembly with Walt Disney Firm representatives about negotiating the employees priorities right into a contract, she mentioned.
The union already represents theatrical performers at Disney’s Florida parks.
Barring any election challenges, the regional director of The Nationwide Labor Relations Board will certify the outcomes inside every week, the affiliation mentioned.
The NLRB didn’t instantly reply to an e mail from The Related Press searching for affirmation or extra details about the vote.
The election happened on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday in Anaheim, California, after staff earlier this 12 months filed playing cards to kind the unit known as “Magic United.”
Parade and character staff who promoted unionizing mentioned they love serving to to create a magical expertise at Disneyland however grew involved after they had been requested to renew hugging guests after returning to work through the coronavirus pandemic. They mentioned in addition they undergo accidents from advanced costumes and erratic schedules.
Many of the greater than 35,000 staff on the Disneyland Resort, together with cleansing crews, pyrotechnic specialists and safety employees, are already in labor unions. The resort consists of Disneyland, which is the Walt Disney Co.’s oldest theme park, in addition to Disney California Journey and the buying and leisure district Downtown Disney in Anaheim.
Lately, Disney has confronted allegations of not paying its Southern California staff, who face exorbitant housing prices and infrequently commute lengthy distances or cram into small houses, a livable wage. Parade performers and character actors earn a base pay of $24.15 an hour, up from $20 earlier than January, with premiums for various roles.
Union membership has been on a decades-long decline in the USA, however organizations have seen rising public assist lately throughout high-profile contract negotiations involving Hollywood studios and Las Vegas accommodations. The NLRB, which protects staff’ proper to arrange, reported greater than 2,500 filings for union illustration through the 2023 fiscal 12 months, which was the very best quantity in eight years.
The hassle to arrange character and parade performers in California got here greater than 40 years after those that play Mickey, Goofy and Donald Duck in Florida had been organized by the Worldwide Brotherhood of Teamsters, a union historically identified to signify transportation staff.
At the moment, the Florida performers complained about filthy costumes and abuse from company, together with youngsters who would kick the shins of Disney villains resembling Captain Hook.
