Anaheim, California – The happiest place on earth just got even happier for its performers. After a three-day vote, the Disneyland performers who bring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella to life have chosen to unionize. This decision was announced by the Actors’ Equity Association labor union on Saturday, who will now become the bargaining agent for the group of approximately 1,700 workers.
The vote, which took place on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, saw an overwhelming majority in favor of unionization. According to the association’s website, 78.7% (953 votes) were in favor, while 21.3% (258 votes) were opposed. This is a significant step for the cast members of the parades and characters departments at Disney’s theme parks near Los Angeles.
In a statement released on Saturday night, Actors’ Equity Association President Kate Shindle expressed her joy at the outcome of the vote. She said, “They say that Disneyland is ‘the place where dreams come true,’ and for the Disney Cast Members who have worked to organize a union, their dream came true today.” Shindle also acknowledged the important role these workers play in creating the magical experience at Disneyland and called them the “front lines” of the guest experience.
The association and cast members will now work together to discuss improvements in areas such as health and safety, wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security. These priorities will then be brought to the negotiating table with representatives from the Walt Disney Company to be included in a contract.
This is not the first time the union has represented theatrical performers at Disney’s theme parks. They already represent workers at Disney’s Florida parks. However, this is a significant milestone for the cast members at Disneyland, who have been fighting for their rights for a long time.
The election was held after workers filed cards earlier this year to form a unit called “Magic United.” The parade and character performers who promoted unionization love their jobs and take pride in creating a magical experience for guests. However, they have also faced challenges, such as being asked to resume hugging visitors during the pandemic and suffering injuries from complex costumes and erratic schedules.
The majority of the 35,000 workers at the Disneyland Resort, including cleaning crews, pyrotechnic specialists, and security staff, are already part of labor unions. The resort includes Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and the shopping and entertainment district, Downtown Disney, in Anaheim.
In recent years, Disney has faced criticism for not paying its Southern California workers a livable wage, considering the high cost of living in the area. Most of these workers have to commute long distances or live in small homes to make ends meet. However, with the unionization of parade performers and character actors, there is hope for better wages and working conditions. These workers currently earn a base pay of $24.15 an hour, with additional premiums for different roles.
Union membership has been on the decline in the United States for decades. However, in recent years, there has been a growing public support for unions, especially during high-profile contract negotiations involving Hollywood studios and Las Vegas hotels. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which protects workers’ right to organize, reported over 2,500 filings for union representation during the 2023 fiscal year, the highest number in eight years.
The effort to organize character and parade performers in California comes more than 40 years after their counterparts in Florida were organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a union traditionally known for representing transportation workers. At that time, the Florida performers had complained about filthy costumes and abuse from guests, including children who would kick the shins of Disney villains like Captain Hook.
The decision to unionize is a significant step towards ensuring fair treatment and better working conditions for the cast members at Disneyland. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the determination of these workers to fight for their rights. With the support of the Actors’ Equity Association, they can now look forward to a brighter future at the happiest place on earth.
