Disney workers in Southern California reach tentative agreement

Thousands of Disney’s theme park and resort workers in Southern California have averted a labor strike by reaching a tentative agreement with the company, a coalition of unions announced early Wednesday. The group, known as Disney Workers Rising, represents 14,000 employees across four unions, such as confectionery creators, checkout clerks, janitors, and amusement ride operators.

The workers had been negotiating with Disney since April 24 for fair wages, seniority-based pay increases, a fair attendance policy, and improved safety conditions at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park, and other company facilities in California, primarily located in Anaheim. The potential strike, backed by 99% of the participating union members, would have been the first in 40 years at Disneyland Resort if an agreement was not reached.

“We have shown Disney that we are the true magic makers of the park, and today proves that when workers stand together for what they deserve, we win,” said Disney Workers Rising’s bargaining committee in a statement. “We look forward to making our voices heard during the voting process to ratify this contract,” the committee added.

As negotiations continue for cast members, the group plans to recommend the new tentative agreement to its cast members for a vote. “Cast members have fought hard for the past four months, and this tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we all showed throughout this process and the unwavering support from guests and community members,” the union coalition stated.

Jessica Good, a spokesperson for Disneyland Resort, expressed the company’s satisfaction with the agreement, noting it benefits both employees and Disney’s future growth and job creation. “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,” Good stated.

Last week, amid ongoing negotiations, hundreds of employees protested outside Disneyland Resort, calling for fair wages and labor practices. Protestors held signs with slogans such as “Mickey Would Want Fair Pay!” and “Magic Doesn’t Pay the Bills.”

Details of the tentative agreement remain undisclosed to the public, with Disney Workers Rising planning to share the terms exclusively with cast members ahead of the July 29. Cast members at Disneyland had their contracts expire on June 16, whereas those at Disney California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney District are set to expire on Sept. 30.

Prior to the agreement, the union coalition accused Disney of unfair labor practices, including intimidation and surveillance of employees. The coalition had filed Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board. “Instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney is intimidating, surveilling, and unlawfully disciplining members, harming our negotiations and our ability to get the contract we deserve,” Disney Workers Rising’s bargaining committee previously stated.

The four unions representing the 14,000 workers are Teamsters Local 495, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324, and SEIU-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW).