A coalition of unions representing over 13,000 Disneyland Resort Cast Members has filed charges against Disney for disciplining employees wearing union buttons.
Disneyland Allegedly Disciplines Union Cast Members
Amid contract negotiations, Master Services Council (MSC) union members have been wearing buttons to work featuring the above design with a Mickey Mouse fist and the words “Disney Workers Rising” as a show of solidarity.
According to MSC, Disney has disciplined, intimidated, and surveilled over 550 employees for “exercising their right to wear union buttons at work” (via Los Angeles Times).
Disney claims they have mostly asked Cast Members to remove the buttons and have taken “less than a handful” of disciplinary actions.
Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good said, “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.”
MSC counters that wearing the buttons is a legitimate form of union activity and Disney cannot take action against union members for wearing them. They are charging Disney with unfair labor practices.
The Master Services Council is comprised of four unions representing Disneyland Resort ride operators, custodians, candy makers, costumers, entrance employees, parking attendants, merchandise Cast Members, and more. Their current contracts expire on June 16 for Disneyland Park and September 30 for Disney California Adventure.
Negotiations for a new contract began on April 24. Among MSC’s demands are higher wages.
Michi Cordell, a Fairy Godmother’s Apprentice at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, said, “Cast members have been at the bargaining table for months trying to win a fair contract because we deserve more, but the company has been busy […] disciplining cast members for exercising their rights.”
“These unfair labor practices are hindering our ability to get the fair contract we deserve and Disney must be held accountable and prevented from further threatening us, the cast members who make the magic for guests on a daily basis.”
KCAL also covered the story in the following video.
This issue arose less than a month after Disneyland Resort performers voted to unionize with Actors’ Equity. They are also seeking higher pay as well as improved health and safety conditions and more flexible schedules.
For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.
The post Cast Members Accuse Disneyland of Unfair Labor Practices Over Union Button Rule appeared first on WDW News Today.