Cast Members and Disney Strike Tentative Deal To Prevent Shutdown

Cast members have reached a tentative truce with Disneyland Resort.

For guests, Disneyland Resort is the home of all things magic. From classic attractions such as “it’s a small world,” Peter Pan’s Flight, and Space Mountain to newer additions such as Avengers Campus, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Pixar Pier, the Southern California theme park resort is designed to offer fun and thrills to the whole family.

Credit: Disney

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For those behind the scenes, however, things haven’t been quite as magical lately. The employees of Disneyland Resort (AKA cast members) have been at odds with The Walt Disney Company as they push for fairer wages and better working conditions.

Last week, we saw a protest form outside the gates of Disneyland Resort as workers from all sectors of the park – attractions, merchandise, custodial, and beyond – made it known that they’re not only unhappy but struggling on their current pay rate as the cost of living soars.

Credit: Disney

As per a statement from The Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee, “Workers of Disney’s largest bargaining unit in California – representing a diverse set of classifications from custodians and ride operators to candy makers and merchandise clerks – entered into negotiations with the company on April 24, 2024, and are fighting for fair wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases and safe parks for cast members and guests.”

Some have described being forced to live in their cars and being unable to afford surging rent in Anaheim. As per a recent report from the BBC, one overnight custodian – named as Cynthia ‘Cyn’ Carranza – briefly did so with her two dogs, parking in shady areas during the day so she could sleep in time for her shift.

According to Carranza, who makes $20.65 an hour as a Disney cast member, this was the only solution when she couldn’t afford Anaheim’s average monthly rent of over $2,000.

Union officials claim that one in 10 Disneyland Resort cast members have experienced homelessness while working at the park. Meanwhile, a survey found that 73% of workers don’t make enough to cover basic expenses each month.

Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

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Last week, we saw four labor unions carry out a vote on strike action. This was authorized by nearly 14,000 cast members across Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Disneyland’s three hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Pixar Place Hotel), and Downtown Disney. While no date was set for a strike, this would’ve led to severe disruption across the entire resort – potentially even shutting it down completely.

However, it seems like this will no longer be necessary, as this morning Disney Workers Rising confirmed that they’ve reached a tentative agreement with Disney.

Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

“We have reached a tentative agreement with Disney,” they said on Instagram. “We have fought hard for the past four months and this tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we showed this past week with our rally and Unfair Labor Practice vote.”

The agreement reportedly includes a “three-year contract that contains significant wage increases for all cast members, seniority increases and additional premiums as well as the retention of premiums.” It also apparently includes negotiations on issues that will improve the attendance policy for cast members.

“With personal actions like wearing our union button and signing a petition to massive 1,000-person rallies and worldwide news coverage, we have shown Disney that we are the true magic makers of the park,” they added. “We stood up to the company’s unfair labor practices and showed them that we were willing to do whatever it took to get the contract we deserved.”

Credit: Disney

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Disneyland Resort also released its own statement earlier this morning via Disney Connect.

On July 24, the Disneyland Resort and the Master Services Council reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. Cast Members in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will have the opportunity to vote on the agreement on Monday, July 29.

We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation.

The vote will proceed on July 29, hopefully ensuring three years of fairer working conditions for the people who create the magic of the Disney experience on a daily basis.

Credit: Vince Fleming, Unsplash

In May, Disneyland’s entertainment cast members also took action to ensure a stronger platform for future negotiations with the resort. Roughly 1,700 cast members – who play the likes of Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and other characters in meet and greets, shows, and parades around the resort – voted to unionize under the Actors’ Equity Association in what was described as “a landslide victory.”

What are your thoughts on this new agreement between Disneyland and its cast members?