Disneyland Cast Member performers vote to unionize
The National Labor Relations Board announced the Disneyland Resort Cast Members who perform as characters or dance in parades and the hosts, leads and trainers who create magic alongside them, have voted to unionize and be represented by Actors’ Equity Association.
For the union to become the bargaining agent for this group of 1,700 workers Equity needed to receive 50% plus one vote of those who cast ballots. The union far exceeded the threshold it needed to win with 79% of those voting casting ballots for the union. The unofficial vote count is 953 for Equity to 258 opposed. If there are no election challenges, the NLRB’s regional director will certify the results within a week.
Equity has had a good working relationship with Disney and currently represents performers and stage managers at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and with Disney Theatricals on Broadway and on national tours.
Most of the Disneyland Resort’s workforce is already unionized, with those working in the Characters and Parades departments being a notable exception.
“This is an incredible victory, and we appreciate all the support over the past several weeks. We’re excited about the next phase,” said Actors’ Equity Association President Kate Shindle. “These Cast Members are both pro-union and pro-Disney, and they’re looking forward to meeting with their employer across the bargaining table in a good faith effort to make both the work experience and the Guest experience better.”
The Disneyland Resort, which includes Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure as well as three hotels and Downtown Disney, opened in 1955 and has become one of the most attended themed entertainment attractions in the world.
