By Ricardo Roura
21 Jul 2024, 21:24 PM EDT
Thousands of Disneyland Park workers voted on Friday night to authorize a possible strike while negotiations for a new employment contract drag on.
With an overwhelming majority of 99%The strike authorization was approved by members who cast their votes, according to a statement from the union.
The election was carried out by a coalition of four unions, representing approximately 14,000 Disney attraction operators, store clerks, janitors, candy makers, ticket collectors, parking lot attendants, and other employees.
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“We make Disneyland the ideal place for family vacationsbirthdays and celebrations,” the Disney Workers Bargaining Committee said in a statement.
“We generate the profits from the theme parks and the magic found throughout the resort.. But instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney is illegally intimidating, surveilling and disciplining members, which is hurting our negotiations and our ability to get the contract we deserve,” she added.
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As a result of this vote, Union leaders now have the option of calling a work stoppage in case they cannot negotiate a new agreement with Disney.
“We greatly appreciate the important role our cast members play in creating memorable experiences for our guests, And we remain committed to reaching an agreement that focuses on what matters most to them.“while positioning Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation,” Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Jessica Good said in a statement.
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The spokeswoman said the Master Services Council’s strike authorization is not unusual as part of a negotiation process, In addition, they hope to continue negotiations at the meetings scheduled for Monday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 23..
“No strike date has been scheduledand Disneyland Resort continues to welcome guests,” spokeswoman Jessica Good added.
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Starting this Monday, Union representatives and Disney company officials return to the negotiating table to try to reach an agreement that will allow a new employment contract to be concluded.
Union members They have been in negotiations with Disney since April on wage increases, safety measures, attendance policies and other benefits.
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