Disneyland workers secure historic contract: A new era for cast members

A landmark agreement for Disney employees

In a significant development for the workforce at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the Disney hotels, approximately 14,000 employees have successfully negotiated new contracts. This monumental agreement, achieved through the collective efforts of four major trade unions, has averted a potential strike and ushered in a new era of improved working conditions and benefits for Disney’s dedicated cast members.

The unions behind the victory

The workers were represented by a coalition of unions, including the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83, SEIU-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW), Teamsters Local 495, and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324. These unions played a pivotal role in the negotiations, ensuring that the voices of the employees were heard and their demands met.

A historic win for cast members

After months of intense negotiations, the employees voted to ratify new three-year contracts with Disney. These contracts, which will go into effect immediately, mark a significant victory for the cast members. Ellie Gonzalez, a custodian at Disney California Adventure and a member of the bargaining committee, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome:

“Today’s vote is a historic win for cast members, who stood strong against corporate power and remained united in the face of unlawful actions by the company. We secured historic wage increases that will allow me to build a better future for the family I am building. For the first time, we won longevity pay that recognizes our years of service to Disney and the critical role we play in making it one of the most profitable companies in the world. These victories wouldn’t be possible without the strength every cast member demonstrated throughout our bargaining process.”

Key provisions of the new contracts

The new contracts include several groundbreaking provisions that will significantly improve the working conditions and benefits for Disney employees:

Historic wage increases: Most cast members will receive a total wage increase of $6.10 over the next three years.
Minimum base wage rate: By 2024, the minimum base wage rate will be set at $24 per hour, with some classifications receiving even higher rates.
Longevity pay: For the first time, senior cast members will receive longevity pay, recognizing their years of service and dedication to the company.
Improved attendance policy and sick leave: The new contracts include enhancements to the attendance policy and sick leave provisions, giving cast members more flexibility to attend to personal issues without fearing disciplinary action.
New premiums: Additional premiums will be introduced for cast members, further enhancing their compensation packages.

The road ahead

The contract for Disneyland cast members expired on June 16, 2024, while the contract for Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney cast members is set to expire on September 30, 2024. As these new agreements take effect, they set a precedent for future negotiations and highlight the importance of collective bargaining in securing fair and equitable working conditions.

Personal reflections on the impact

As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, it’s heartening to see the people behind the magic of Disney parks receiving the recognition and compensation they deserve. These cast members play a crucial role in creating the enchanting experiences that millions of visitors enjoy each year. Their dedication and hard work are the backbone of Disney’s success, and it’s only fitting that they are rewarded accordingly.

For those interested in exploring more about the world of Disney, I recommend checking out the trailers for some of their latest releases. You can find them here.

A broader perspective

This landmark agreement at Disney is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of unions in advocating for workers’ rights. It serves as an inspiration for employees in other industries to stand up for fair treatment and equitable compensation. As we celebrate this victory, let’s continue to support and uplift the voices of workers everywhere, ensuring that they receive the respect and recognition they deserve.

In the world of music, similar strides are being made as artists and industry professionals push for better contracts and working conditions. For those interested in exploring new music, I recommend checking out some of the latest albums on Spotify. You can find them here.

By staying informed and supporting these efforts, we can contribute to a more just and equitable world for all workers, whether they are creating magic at Disneyland or producing the music and entertainment we love.