More than 200 Disneyland Resort employees have protested outside the world-famous California theme parks, calling for better wages by the company ahead of a looming strike vote.
Employees, known as “cast members,” say they are struggling to afford basic necessities in Southern California’s expensive housing market, with some even experiencing homelessness while working at the park. Union officials say about one in 10 Disneyland cast members have faced homelessness, and a survey revealed that 73% of employees don’t earn enough to cover basic expenses.
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Slogans among the signs being carried included “Mickey would want fair pay” and “Disney, don’t be the villain” at the march in Anaheim, near Los Angeles.
Cynthia Carranza, an overnight custodian at Disneyland, has shared her struggles with making ends meet while working at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Earning $20.65 an hour, she was unable to afford rent in the expensive Southern California city last summer, forcing her to live in her car with her two dogs. She recounted tearfully the hardships she faced, including having to sneak showers in the park’s costume department. Although she now shares a small apartment with her boyfriend, also a Disneyland employee, their combined income is still barely enough to cover their expenses.
Expressing her frustration, Ms. Carranza stated to the BBC, “That’s not something that anybody should experience working a full-time job for a company like Disney.” Her experience mirrors that of many other Disneyland workers who are grappling with financial hardships despite working for a company renowned for its magical image. Approximately 10,000 union workers at Disneyland are now threatening to strike over low wages and what they perceive as retaliatory anti-union practices.
Workers are demanding a livable wage that reflects the high cost of living in the area. They also accuse Disney of retaliating against union members who have been wearing union badges and distributing information in the park.
Disney maintains that it is committed to reaching a fair deal with its employees and values their contribution to the park’s success. However, workers are frustrated with the company’s lack of progress in negotiations and the perceived disparity between their wages and those of Disney executives.
Employees will vote on whether to authorise a strike this Friday. If the action is approved, unions will then decide on its terms and duration.
Contract talks with Disney are set for next Monday and Tuesday.
The last strike at Disneyland occurred in 1984 and lasted 22 days. If the current negotiations fail, a new strike could disrupt operations at the iconic theme park and further strain relations between Disney and its workforce.
