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More union-related drama has arrived at Disneyland Resort, and things are looking messier than ever. In the past few months, thousands of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park employees have been fighting to negotiate their contracts as cast members. These debates have resulted in an online viral movement, with cast members gaining the sympathy of many Disney theme park fans.
The Master Services Council plays a crucial role in representing the workers at Disneyland Park. This council is dedicated to advocating for the rights and fair treatment of the employees within the park. By fostering open communication between management and hourly cast members, the council strives to ensure that the concerns and needs of the workers are addressed effectively.
With the current contract with Master Services Council set to expire this coming Sunday, cast members are eager to renegotiate as soon as possible. Within the parks, many employees wear buttons with the Disney Workers Rising logo on them to raise awareness of this ongoing issue and peacefully protest.
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Credit: Disney
Cast Members Disciplined for Protest Buttons
Master Services Council, a significant entity comprising over 13,000 diverse staff members, including custodians, ride operators, candy makers, merchandise clerks, and various other workers at the renowned Anaheim amusement park, recently made a bold statement. This Tuesday, the Council took a stand against Disney, alleging that the entertainment conglomerate had engaged in actions that were deemed as unlawful.
Specifically, the accusations pointed toward Disney’s alleged acts of “disciplining, intimidating, and surveying employees” who were wearing union buttons while at work. Disney claims that since the buttons are not a part of their costumes, they are not allowed to be worn during shifts. Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good said today:
“cast members may only wear buttons and pins that are a part of their costumes while at work so that the show is maintained for our guests.”
On the other hand, the Master Services Council states that not allowing these buttons to be worn by cast members violates the rights of cast members. The council also claims that over 500 employees were disciplined by superiors for wearing the buttons during their shifts at Disney.
Credit: Disney
Cast Members Speak Out Against Disney
Many protesting cast members are outraged by the situation and stand behind their right to protest. The Disney Workers Rising Instagram encourages cast members to keep wearing the tattoos until explicitly told otherwise. As we previously reported, a protest has also been scheduled for next Monday. They say:
“Continue to show your unity by wearing the union buttons, temporary tattoos and stickers. If you haven’t been personally told to not wear your union button on stage as part of your costume, do so until you’re specifically told to take it off.”
However, with Disney continuing to push back against the button-wearers, cast members have decided to take this matter to a more serious level. Two days ago, it was announced that the group had officially filed unfair labor practice charges against Disney. A statement from some cast members states:
“Today, Disney cast members announced that they have filed unfair labor practice charges against Disney on behalf of 13,000 workers at the resort for unlawful discipline, intimidation and surveillance of union members exercising their right to wear union buttons at work. Over 550 cast members were intimidated, surveilled and disciplined for wearing union buttons in support of their contract campaign. The charges will now be investigated by National Labor Relations Board agents.”
Credit: Scott Gustin/ X, Disney
The accusations of unlawful behavior, including disciplinary actions, intimidation tactics, and surveillance, raise important questions about the treatment of employees and the protection of their rights within the workplace. The right to wear union buttons is not just a symbolic gesture but a fundamental expression of solidarity and collective bargaining power for workers seeking fair treatment and representation in contractual negotiations.
By bringing these issues to the forefront, the Master Services Council underscores the importance of upholding workers’ rights and ensuring a conducive and respectful environment for all employees. As the Council continues to navigate the challenges of contract negotiations and labor relations, its actions serve as a reminder of the enduring importance of solidarity, advocacy, and perseverance in the pursuit of a fair and just workplace for all.
