The contract for nearly 14,000 unionized Disneyland workers expired in June. On July 19th, workers finally drew a line in the sand, with 99% of those who voted authorizing their unions to strike. That leverage helped the unions secure the largest mass wage increase in Disneyland history. But Cast Members still needed to vote to approve their new contract on July 29th.
And the results are in… The contract has been approved… Strike averted!
Here’s the message that the union coalition sent to cast members after the vote was tallied:
“DisneyWorkersRising Our Disney Contracts Have Been Ratified!
Our new three-year contract agreements with Disney have officially been ratified. Thank you for taking the time to vote and ensuring your voice was heard.
Because of our solidarity and commitment to fighting for the contract we all deserve, our historic new contracts include:
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- A three-year contract!
- The biggest wage increases ever! Most cast members will be receiving $6.10 over three years!
- Minimum base wage rate of $24 in 2024 (or more for some classifications)
Historic longevity increases for senior cast members - Attendance policy and sick leave improvements that give cast members more opportunities to attend to personal issues without fearing discipline
New premiums for cast members
This victory is a direct result of us showcasing our power at the bargaining table and in the parks. Every meeting we attended, rally we participated in, petition we signed, and button we wore forced Disney to recognize our power and enabled us to reach this historic agreement. The solidarity and record participation we achieved in this fight means we are that much stronger for our next contract campaign. And that campaign starts now.
Look at what we have accomplished this year, and imagine what we can do when we have three years to get even stronger before we come back to the bargaining table and sit across from Disney. We are absolutely stronger together, so continue to stay engaged with your stewards, fellow cast members and your union.
If you have any questions about the new contracts, please do not hesitate to reach out to your stewards, union representatives, or bargaining committee members.
In Solidarity,
Your Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee”
Disneyland spokesperson, Jessica Good, also made a statement about the new contract and its impact on cast:
“We are pleased that our cast members approved the new agreements, which, along with all we offer as part of our employment experience, demonstrate how much we value them and our profound commitment to their overall well-being.”
More About The New Cast Member Contract
The union negotiating committee achieved its main goals: “A three-year contract that includes significant wage increases for all cast members, seniority increases, additional premiums, and the retention of existing premiums.” They also addressed issues to make the attendance policy more workable for cast members.
About The Negotiations for a New Employee Contract With Disneyland
Disney Workers Rising is a bargaining committee, which is a coalition of four unions representing cast members at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the Disney hotels. The cast member roles they represent range from custodians and ride operators to candy makers, merchandise clerks, parking attendants, costumers, ticket takers, and more.
The unions are fighting for fair wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases, and safe parks for cast members and guests.
In a statement released to the media on July 9, 2024, the committee said:
“Our goal for negotiations has always been to reach an agreement with Disney — one that provides cast members with the 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.”
Disneyland has also committed to the process:
“We continue to be focused on the well-being of our guests and cast members. We remain committed to the upcoming meetings on July 22 – 23 and reaching an agreement with Master Services that focuses on what matters most to cast members, positions Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation, and enables us to continue delivering incredible guest experiences.”
Terms of the New Employee Contract
The barganing committee recommends Cast Members accept the new contract as it brings historic wage increases and improvements to workplace conditions. Here are the highlights of the new agreement:
- 3 Year Contract – DEFEATED 5 year contract proposed by Disney
- Biggest wage increases ever – $6.10 over 3 years for most Cast
- Members, and Minimum Base wage rate of $24 in 2024 (or more forsome classifications)
- Historic Longevity increases for Senior Members
- Attendance Policy and Sick leave: improvements that give Cast more opportunity to attend to personal issues without fearing discipline
- Disney had sought to end premiums for certain kinds of work (3rd Shift, Working Lead, Trainer, etc.), but the unions rejected that attempt. However, the rate for the premiums was not changed, so there’s not as much incentive to work these positions (or shifts).
Now that a tentative agreement has been reached, a strike is very unlikely, but if workers reject the contract, it could still lead to unrest as the 99% strike authorization vote indicates a strong desire for change.
While Disneyland has prevented a worker walk-out for now, the contract for Disney California Adventure cast members expires in September. Expect part 2 of this story to be smoother, as the unions will likely aim for the new contract to mirror Disneyland’s as closely as possible.
Disneyland was clearly motivated by the nearly unanimous strike authorization vote and guest feedback expressing reluctance to visit the parks amid strike concerns.