Disneyland Employees Vote on Potential Strike
Thousands of Disneyland workers are expected to authorize a potential strike, marking the first such action in 40 years. Cyn Carranza, a dedicated employee who buffs and cleans Disneyland floors starting at midnight, is among those seeking better wages and working conditions. Despite her hard work, Carranza faced homelessness last year, living in her car for four months as her wages from three jobs were insufficient to afford rent.
Union Negotiations and Strike Authorization
The vote, involving 9,500 Disneyland employees, will conclude on Friday and is virtually certain to pass. If authorized, union leadership will decide whether to proceed with the strike. Disneyland officials have stated that contingency plans are in place to ensure the parks continue operating at the expected level of service in the event of a strike.
Underlying Issues: Wages and Living Conditions
While the potential strike officially concerns Disney (NYSE:DIS) not allowing union buttons at work, the core issue for many workers is the current contract’s inability to provide a livable wage. Carranza’s Disneyland wage, just over $20 per hour, is barely enough to cover basic living expenses. California’s minimum wage for fast food workers, set at $20 per hour as of April 1, has impacted other industries, including Disneyland.
The High Cost of Living
Living in Anaheim, where the 2022 median rent was $2,251 a month, makes it challenging for workers to make ends meet. After living in her car, Carranza moved into a hotel before finally securing an apartment with a roommate. The high cost of living and stagnant wages have created a financial struggle for many Disneyland employees.
Long-Time Employees Share Their Struggles
Coleen Palmer, who has worked at Disneyland Resort for 37 years, has witnessed significant changes in affordability. When she started, her wages allowed her to rent a two-bedroom apartment for $400 a month. Today, she rents a one-bedroom apartment for over $2,000 a month, struggling to cover all her expenses on her $2,800 monthly income.
Palmer expresses her frustration, saying, “It does feel very defeating at times. It makes me question my self-worth.” Despite these challenges, she remains committed to her job, enjoying interactions with park guests and children. However, she notes that while new employees benefit from increased minimum wages, long-time workers like herself have seen minimal wage growth.
Disneyland’s Response to Wage Increases
Disneyland officials claim wages have increased by more than 40% in the past five years, largely in response to state and local minimum wage laws. However, workers argue that these increases are insufficient given the high cost of living in Southern California.
Potential Impact of the Strike
If a strike occurs, it would involve about 9,500 employees currently under a contract that expired in June. Another 4,500 employees at Downtown Disney, Disney hotels, and Disney California Adventure have contracts expiring in September and are not part of the current strike developments. Together, these workers represent about 40% of the resort’s employees, although only Disneyland Park employees will vote and potentially participate in a strike for now.
Ongoing Negotiations
The unions and Disneyland have two more meetings scheduled on Monday and Tuesday. These discussions aim to address the workers’ demands and potentially avert the strike. Character and parade performers, who organized in May as part of Actors’ Equity Association, have yet to start their bargaining process.
Dispute Over Union Buttons
The potential strike also involves union buttons depicting a raised Mickey fist. SEIU-USWW, Teamsters Local 495, UFCW Local 324, and BCTGM Local 83 filed charges against Disney for unlawful discipline, intimidation, and surveillance of union members wearing these buttons at work. Disneyland officials argue that wearing union buttons violates the parks’ uniform policy and disrupts the immersive experience for guests.
Conclusion
As Disneyland workers vote on authorizing a strike, the outcome could significantly impact the resort’s operations and highlight ongoing issues related to wages and working conditions. With the high cost of living in Southern California, many workers are struggling to make ends meet, emphasizing the need for meaningful wage increases and better working conditions. The coming days will be crucial in determining the next steps in this labor dispute.
