Disneyland Workers Aim to Unionize for Better Working Conditions
Disney Day Drinkers Club President Skip Sher has the latest on the creative mascot on ‘The Bottom Line.’
They may live in the Magic Kingdom, but they also want better working conditions.
Workers at Disneyland, including performers who play the beloved characters of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Cinderella, are looking to unionize. Labor organizers said they want better safety conditions and scheduling policies for the workers.
The employees are looking to join the Actors’ Equity Association, which represents workers in live theatrical performance.
Reasons for Unionization
“Disney workers are openly and powerfully invested in and loyal to the Walt Disney Company and its values, so it’s reasonable for them to expect ‘the happiest place on earth’ to pay them fairly and prioritize their health and safety,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association.
Mickey Mouse interacts with guests at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.
FOX Business has reached out to Disneyland.
Under federal law, Disney will be required to sit down with Equity’s representatives at the bargaining table and negotiate a contract following a vote in favor to unionize, the union added.
The union represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers.
A group of performers who help bring Disney’s beloved characters to life at the company’s California theme parks are forming a union. While most workers at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure already have unions, these roughly 1,700 performers …
In addition to castor members, other workers included in the bargaining unit are hosts, trainers, and other support roles.
Previous Union Activity and Accusations
Disneyland has been accused of not paying its workers enough to live in Southern California, despite raking in profits.
Last year, Disney was one of several media giants impacted by the 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike, as performers demanded higher pay and protection against the use of artificial intelligence.
