Recently, performing Cast Members at Disneyland voted to unionize with the Actors’ Equity Association. But that’s not the only union representing Cast Members in California.

These unions work to ensure the Cast Members at the Disneyland Resort have fair working conditions, favorable wages, and security in terms of living conditions. Since April 24th, 2024, four unions have been working on contract negotiations with the Disney company, but on Friday evening, July 19th, members voted to authorize a strike due to unfair labor practices.

According to NBC News, four unions representing more than 14,000 Cast Members around Disneyland Resort (Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Disney hotels, Downtown Disney district) had members vote to authorize a strike which would be the first walkout in Disneyland in 40 years (the last one was in 1984 for 22 days). 99% of those who voted (the number of voters was not released), voted to authorize the strike which is allowed to happen at any time.

The unions cited economic hardship including housing and food insecurity as Aaron Zarate, a candy maker at Disneyland who is a member of the workers’ bargaining committee, stated, “This vote shows that the Cast Members have had enough!”

Ahead of the vote, the Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee said in a statement, “Instead of working with us toward a fair contract, Disney has engaged in multiple instances of conduct we allege are unfair labor practices, including unlawful discipline and intimidation and surveillance of union members exercising their right to wear union buttons at work.”

The authorization to strike does not mean a strike will happen immediately or at all. Jessica Good, a Disneyland Resort spokesperson, added that a strike authorization is “not unusual” during the negotiation process. Good also said, “We greatly appreciate the important roles our cast members play in creating memorable experiences for our guests, and we remain committed to reaching an agreement that focuses on what matters most to them while positioning Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation.”

Negotiations will continue on Monday, July 22nd, and Tuesday, July 23rd.

Custodians, ride operators, candy makers, and merchandise clerks are the Cast Members at the center of the fight. On June 10th, almost two months after negotiations began, over 675 Cast Members filed unfair labor practice charges against Disney. These charges are currently being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board.

The four unions that represent the workers are the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83; the Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW); the Teamsters Local 495; and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324.

As this situation continues to develop, we’ll keep you updated with more information. So stay tuned to DFB for more news.

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The post NEWS: 99% of Unionized Disney Cast Members Vote To Authorize Strike first appeared on the disney food blog.