Disneyland actors, characters file for unionization
Disneyland Resort Cast Members responsible for bringing beloved Disney characters to life have achieved a significant milestone in their union organizing efforts. In a press conference held Wednesday, representatives from the Parades and Characters departments, alongside the president of the Actors’ Equity Association (Equity), disclosed that the union had submitted an election petition to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for union recognition, with Equity serving as their bargaining representative.
“The Cast Members who bring the Characters and Parades to life have been non-union since Disneyland Resort opened in the 1950s and have watched other workers in the park unionize all around them,” Kate Shindle, President of Equity, said. “Just eight weeks after Equity launched a campaign seeking union authorization cards, we have signatures from a supermajority of those eligible.”
She emphasized the desire for collective bargaining to enhance working conditions, wages, and benefits.
Identifying themselves as “Magic United,” Cast Members expressed their aspiration to unionize on Feb. 13, subsequently gathering signed union authorization cards from coworkers. The Walt Disney Company was notified of a supermajority of the 1,700 eligible Cast Members signing the union’s petition, with a request for voluntary recognition. Despite the absence of a response from the company, Magic United plans to proceed with arranging a union election with the NLRB, likely to occur on-site at the resort in May or June.
Magic United representatives articulated their priorities for safety, scheduling, living wages, benefits, and workplace representation. They acknowledged challenges, such as difficulties in obtaining health insurance through Disney, despite their love for their jobs and their support for both Disney and the union.
Noting Equity’s positive relationship with Disney in other locations, including Walt Disney World and Disney Theatricals on Broadway and national tours, Shindle anticipates constructive dialogue.
