Disneyland, the iconic theme park known as the “Happiest Place on Earth”, may soon be facing a different kind of magic as workers seek to unionize for better working conditions.
The beloved performers who bring to life characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Cinderella are looking to join the Actors’ Equity Association, a labor union that represents workers in live theatrical performances. The move comes as workers demand better safety conditions and scheduling policies at the Magic Kingdom.
According to labor organizers, Disney workers are “openly and powerfully invested” in the Walt Disney Company and its values, and as such, they believe it is only fair to expect fair pay and prioritization of their health and safety. In an interview with Reuters, Kate Shindle, the President of the Actors’ Equity Association, stated “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.”
The call for unionization comes at a time when Disney has been under fire for not paying its workers enough to live in Southern California, despite the company’s massive profits. With the cost of living in California being one of the highest in the nation, many workers are struggling to make ends meet while working at the popular theme park. The potential unionization of Disneyland workers also comes on the heels of a recent strike by Disney employees in Anaheim, California who demanded higher wages and better healthcare benefits last year.
Should the Disneyland workers be successful in their efforts to unionize, the company will be required by federal law to sit down with representatives from Equity and negotiate a contract. This development could potentially impact not just the cast members who play beloved characters, but also other workers such as hosts, trainers, and other support roles who are included in the bargaining unit.
Actors’ Equity Association currently represents over 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, making it one of the largest unions in the entertainment industry. The addition of Disneyland workers to their ranks would be a significant win for the union, which has been trying to expand its reach beyond traditional theatrical performances.
Although Disney has not yet publicly commented on the workers’ unionization effort, the company has previously faced labor disputes with other unions. Last year, Disney was one of several media giants impacted by the 118-day strike by SAG-AFTRA members, who were demanding higher pay and protection against the use of artificial intelligence in TV and film productions.
The potential unionization of Disneyland workers has raised concerns among Disney’s shareholders, with some expressing fears that the move could lead to higher operating costs and hurt the company’s profits. However, labor organizers have argued that better pay and working conditions for employees would lead to a more motivated and productive workforce, ultimately benefiting the company in the long run.
As the unionization vote approaches, the tension between Disneyland workers and the Walt Disney Company is likely to increase. However, for the workers, this is a crucial step towards achieving better treatment and fairness on the job. And for the millions of visitors who annually flock to Disneyland to experience the magic, knowing that the workers behind the scenes are being taken care of may add to the already enchanting experience.
With the iconic theme park known for its attention to detail and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, it is only fitting that its employees receive the same level of care and consideration. For now, all eyes are on Disneyland and the potential impact this unionization effort may have on the future of the beloved Magic Kingdom.
