Disneyland Workers Vote To Authorize Strike

Disneyland employees in California authorized a strike in a union-wide vote, opening the door to withholding their labor from "the happiest place on Earth," the theme park's unions announced, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.

The union claims that over 500 employees, or “cast members,” have been reprimanded, threatened, or warned about disciplinary action for wearing a union pin that depicts a Mickey Mouse glove raised in the shape of a fist. I Photo: Disneyland Resorts X

The unions, which represent some 14,000 Disneyland Resort employees, have been in negotiations with Disney over wage increases and other benefits since April.

Talks have stalled, and tensions have grown as some employees contend Disney has engaged in anti-union practices. Ninety-nine percent of members voted in favor of the strike authorization, according to a union statement.

This allows union leaders to decide when to call the strike, as well as its duration and terms.

The union claims that over 500 employees, or “cast members,” have been reprimanded, threatened, or warned about disciplinary action for wearing a union pin that depicts a Mickey Mouse glove raised in the shape of a fist.

This week, Disney said it was "committed" to continuing negotiations scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. If the talks go ahead as planned, the strike authorization vote gives union members new leverage in negotiations.

"A strike is always a last resort for workers, but this strong vote shows that cast members across Disneyland are ready and willing to do what it takes to stand up to Disney’s unfair labor practices and get the contract they deserve," the Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee said in the statement.