Nearly half of Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney cast members could soon be on strike if the workers authorize a mass walk-out as union negotiations continue over a new contract for 40% of the 35,000 park employees.
Master Services Council, which represents 14,000 Disneyland employees from four unions, announced on Tuesday, July 9 that a strike authorization vote will be held next week.
The results of the strike authorization vote are expected to be announced by July 20 after voting ends.
“We won’t accept less than what we deserve because we know our value to Disney,” according to a joint statement released by the Disneyland unions. “The theme parks’ profits come from our hard work making a trip to Disneyland a magical experience for guests.”
Disney negotiators and union officials are scheduled to meet again on July 22, according to Disneyland officials.
“We respect and value our cast members and recognize the important role they play in creating happiness for our guests,” according to Disneyland officials. “We remain committed to continuing discussions and to reaching an agreement with the Master Services Council that focuses on what matters most to our current cast members, helps us attract new cast and positions Disneyland Resort for growth and the creation of more jobs.”
The union coalition filed unfair labor practice charges in June on behalf of more than 500 workers who were disciplined for wearing union buttons with Mickey’s raised fist.
The union coalition — which has been negotiating with Disney over a new contract since April — represents ride operators, store clerks, custodians, candy makers, ticket takers, parking attendants, tram drivers, uniform costumers and other cast members, Disney parlance for employees.
The Disneyland contract expired June 16. The Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney contracts expire on Sept. 30.
Master Services Council declined to enter into a contract extension after the Disneyland contract expired, according to Disneyland officials.