Disneyland Workers Threaten Strike Over Wages

Anaheim, California: Hundreds of Disneyland workers are threatening to strike over wages and what they claim are anti-union practices, highlighting the growing tension between employees and the iconic theme park.

The workers, represented by a coalition of unions representing nearly 10,000 employees, voted almost unanimously to authorize strike action just days before contract negotiations are set to resume. While a strike is not imminent, the authorization grants the unions leverage as negotiations continue next week.

The contract for Disneyland cast members expired on June 16th. The union alleges that Disney has engaged in retaliatory actions against workers who have sought to organize and advocate for better wages. These claims include reports of workers being disciplined for wearing union badges and distributing union information within the park.

"We’re the ones who make the magic," says L Slaughter, a host at Disneyland’s Toontown, echoing the sentiment of many employees. "We need Disney to pay us a liveable wage."

Many workers recount living in their cars or motels while working at Disneyland, unable to afford the high cost of living in Southern California. Cynthia “Cyn” Carranza, an overnight custodian at Disneyland, shared her experience of sleeping in her car with two dogs after losing her apartment due to the cost of rent.

"That's not something that anybody should experience working a full-time job for a company like Disney," she said, voicing the frustration shared by many employees.

A survey conducted among Disneyland employees revealed that 73% do not earn enough to cover basic expenses every month, with almost a third reporting housing insecurity in the past year. Union officials claim that approximately one in 10 Disneyland cast members have experienced homelessness while working at the park.

Despite the financial hardship, many workers express their love for the Disney brand and appreciate the generous healthcare benefits and the union-operated food bank. However, they insist that the current wage structure is unsustainable and cannot meet the rising cost of living in the region.

Disney, in a statement, said it "respects and values our cast members" and is committed to reaching a deal 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 last Disneyland strike occurred in 1984 and lasted 22 days. The current situation reflects the growing national debate about wage inequality and the struggle of workers to secure a living wage.

As negotiations progress, the eyes of the nation will be on Disneyland, a workplace that embodies the magic of entertainment but faces the stark realities of economic disparity in the modern era.