A strike authorisation vote will be held by four unions of Walt Disney Co. representing 14,000 workers on 19 July at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The results of the voting will be announced the following day. The employees, including food service workers and other staff at the theme parks, stores, and hotels have been negotiating a new contract since April, seeking higher pay and changes to their work rules.
Even if the employees approve the strike, union leadership would still need to call for a walkout. This action heightens the risk of a potential strike that could disrupt operations at one of Disney’s busiest properties during the summer season.
“We respect and value our cast members and recognize the important role they play in creating happiness for our guests. With the next meeting scheduled for July 22, we remain committed to continuing discussions and reaching an agreement,” Disney said in a statement.
Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee said in a statement, “Our goal for negotiations has always been to reach an agreement with Disney — one that provides cast members with wages they need to live in Southern California, the respect they deserve for the years they’ve dedicated to the company and an attendance policy that works for everyone while keeping park guests safe.”
The statement further noted, “But instead of working with us toward a fair contract, Disney has engaged in multiple instances of conduct we allege are unfair labor practices, including unlawful discipline and intimidation and surveillance of union members exercising their right to wear union buttons at work. We know these actions are only an attempt to stop us from exercising our rights and saddle us with a contract that perpetuates the status quo at Disney.”
The unions said that Disney park workers filed unfair labor practice charges against the company in May for unlawful discipline, intimidation and surveillance of 675 members for wearing union buttons at work. The National Labour Relations Board is investigating the charges.
The unions involved in strike authorisation are the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 83, the Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West, the Teamsters Local 495 and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324.