Actors’ Equity Association announced on Saturday that Disneyland performers have voted to unionize, with 78.7% in favor and 21.3% opposed. This decision will allow the union to become the bargaining agent for roughly 1,700 workers in the parades and characters departments at Disney’s theme parks near Los Angeles. The unionization effort was driven by concerns about health and safety, wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security. The next step will involve discussions with Disney representatives to negotiate these priorities into a contract.
The unionization of Disneyland performers follows a successful ballot among cast members who filed to form the unit called “Magic United.” Workers expressed concerns about being asked to resume hugging visitors after returning to work during the pandemic, as well as injuries from complex costumes and erratic schedules. This decision brings the performers in line with most of the 35,000 workers at the Disneyland Resort, including cleaning crews, pyrotechnic specialists, and security staff, who are already in labor unions.
The National Labor Relations Board will certify the results of the election within a week, pending any challenges. The effort to unionize character and parade performers in California comes more than 40 years after those in Florida were organized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The Florida performers had complained about issues such as filthy costumes and abuse from guests. In recent years, Disney has faced allegations of not paying its Southern California workers a livable wage, leading to growing support for labor unions in negotiations with Hollywood studios and Las Vegas hotels.
While union membership has been on the decline in the United States for decades, there has been a recent increase in public support for labor organizations. The NLRB reported more than 2,500 filings for union representation during the 2023 fiscal year, the highest number in eight years. Disney has raised the base pay for parade performers and character actors to $24.15 an hour, up from $20 earlier in the year, with additional premiums offered for various roles. The unionization of Disneyland performers highlights the ongoing efforts to secure fair wages and working conditions for employees in the entertainment industry.
The decision to unionize among Disneyland performers reflects a broader trend of workers seeking to improve their rights and conditions through collective bargaining. The Actors’ Equity Association hailed the vote as a victory for the “front lines” of the Disneyland guest experience. As discussions with Disney management proceed, the focus will be on addressing the concerns raised by the performers regarding health and safety, wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security. The successful unionization effort demonstrates the solidarity and determination of Disneyland workers to secure a more equitable and sustainable work environment.
