Performers at Disneyland in California have filed a petition to form a labor union, including parade performers, character actors, and support staff. More than two-thirds of eligible workers signed the petition, seeking an election through the National Labor Relations Board. Workers expressed concerns about challenges they face, such as injuries from costumes, erratic scheduling, and lack of clear communication from management. They also raised issues regarding their pay and working conditions.
One performer, Mai Vo, shared her experience of developing eye stains from wearing black contact lenses as part of a costume and being paid less than a unionized colleague in a similar role. Despite their love for their job, workers believe they deserve better treatment and are confident that by standing together, they can advocate for positive change. The workers are calling their union “Magic United” and have asked The Walt Disney Co. to recognize their union.
Disneyland Resort already has unions representing most of its 35,000 workers, but parade and character workers announced their plans to unionize under Actors’ Equity Association. The company officials stated that they support the workers’ right to a confidential vote, acknowledging their individual choices. The formation of the union comes at a time when public support for unions is growing, as seen in recent high-profile negotiations in various industries.
Disneyland in Anaheim is one of the world’s most visited theme parks, attracting millions of visitors annually. In California, Disney’s cleaning crews, food service workers, pyrotechnic specialists, and security staff are already unionized. The company has faced scrutiny in recent years over allegations of not paying workers a livable wage, despite its profits. Parade performers and character actors currently earn a base pay of $24.15 an hour, with premiums for different roles.
The effort to organize character and parade performers in California comes decades after their counterparts in Florida were unionized by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Workers in California are seeking fair pay, a more humane scheduling system, workplace safety, and clear communication from management. Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity, expressed confidence that the California workers would win the election through the NLRB.
Workers like Shantall Segura and Courtney Griffith shared their concerns about workplace safety, injuries from costumes, and lack of resources to address their issues. They emphasized their love for their job and desire to continue working at Disneyland but highlighted the need for better working conditions. The formation of the union aims to address these challenges and improve the overall experience for performers at the theme park.
