Late Friday night a coalition of four unions, known as the Master Services Council, representing nearly 14,000 Disneyland Resort cast members announced that its members had voted to authorize an unfair labor practices strike against the theme park giant. The vote came two days after union workers staged a demonstration outside the Disneyland entrance on the park’s 69th anniversary to raise awareness for their contract talks.
The demonstration and now the news of the strike authorization has Disney visitors worried about what to expect when they visit the Disneyland Resort this week, so we wanted to answer the questions we’ve seen pop up on social media.
Are Disneyland workers on strike now?
NO. Disneyland workers are NOT on strike now. It should be business as usual when Disneyland and Disney California Adventure open on Saturday.
Friday’s vote only gave the union organizers the right to call a strike – it does not mandate one. Union organizers have told their members NOT to walk out unless their union tells them to do so.
What happens next?
Disney and the unions are scheduled to meet on Monday July 22 and Tuesday July 23 to continue the contract negotiations, which have been ongoing since April.
The unions have said, “a strike is always a last resort,” and that they plan to return to the bargaining table in good faith on Monday. For their part, Disney said in response to the strike authorization vote,
“We greatly appreciate the important roles our cast members play in creating memorable experiences for our guests, and we remain committed to reaching an agreement that focuses on what matters most to them while positioning Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation. Master Services Council’s strike date authorization is not unusual as part of a negotiations process, and we look forward to continuing discussions at upcoming meetings on Monday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 23. A strike has not been scheduled, and Disneyland Resort continues to welcome guests.”
Could there still be a strike?
In a statement to workers, the unions said, “If Disney is not prepared to agree to the offer you deserve after two more days of bargaining, we will move forward with the actions we need to take and that you have overwhelmingly voiced your support for.”
That definitely sounds like the unions are willing to take this to a strike, but they have also told their members there “are many ways we can stand up for our rights.” Depending on how the negotiations go Monday and Tuesday, it’s possible we could see a strike called for later this week, but hopefully it won’t come to that.
Which cast members and departments would be involved in a strike?
The Master Services Council covers nearly 14,000 Disneyland Resort employees, roughly half of the unionized roles at the Resort. This includes attractions (ride operators), candy makers, costuming, custodial, main entrance, parking and resort transportation, store operations, cast member stores and the Anaheim distribution center.
Of those workers, only the Disneyland Park cast members are part of the current bargaining unit, as their contract expired in June. Cast members at Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney are still covered by a contract which does not expire until September, and so could not strike at this time.
Cast members in food and beverages, Disneyland Resort hotels, entertainment, security, and a number of skilled and professional trades are represented by other unions, and are not part of this current action.
What happens if there is a strike? Do the parks and hotels close?
In the event of a strike, Disney maintains, “Our Disneyland Resort parks and hotels will remain open and ready to welcome guests if any number of our Disney cast members strike.”
Any strike at this time would primarily impact rides, stores and operations at Disneyland park, as well as parking and trams. In the event of a strike, we’d expect to see a lot of managers back on stage working in roles they haven’t necessarily performed in a while, so there would be an adjustment period. Food, beverage and outdoor vending would not be impacted, and entertainment would likely run on schedule. Again, Disney California Adventure workers can not strike at this time.
There should be no impact at the three Disneyland Resort Hotels.
How long would a strike last?
In a call with members of the bargaining unit last week, union representatives said that they were looking at a “short, three-ish day strike.” Obviously that is subject to change at any time, but it didn’t sound like the union was looking to stage a long-term walkout at this time. In a FAQ for workers, the union says, “If we go on strike, our union leaders and bargaining committee will determine the length that is most strategic for us.”
What is this all about, anyway?
The Master Services Council is negotiating a new contract for its covered workers at the Disneyland Resort. Disney has proposed a 5-year contract with some increases in wages and benefits. The unions wants a 3-year contract, and larger wage increases than Disney is offering, calling the company’s proposals “meager” and “insulting.”
The union is also seeking changes to the attendance policy, seniority bonuses for veteran cast members, and to protect premium pay currently earned by workers with certain special training. (For example, the person who stitches your name on your Mickey Mouse ears earns an hourly premium for that skill.)
The two sides have been meeting since April. In May, the union began distributing buttons to cast members, with an image of a raised Mickey Mouse fist. The union claims Disney began harassing, intimidating and disciplining cast members who wore the buttons on their uniforms, and in June filed Unfair Labor Practice Charges against Disney with the National Labor Relations Board.
Friday’s vote specifically authorized a unfair labor practice strike against Disney, which is different from an economic strike and offers workers different rights and protections.
So, should I cancel my visit / vacation or not?
As I said repeatedly during the pandemic, don’t make any non-refundable travel plans based on anything I can tell you right now.
While this situation is something we’re definitely keeping an eye on, I also go back to the comment made by one of the unions leaders during a call with members last week, when they said “The threat of a strike is more powerful than the strike itself.” The union will walk into the negotiations with Disney on Monday with a strike authorization in hand, which may change the direction of the negotiations. Hopefully the two sides can continue to make progress, and avoid a strike altogether.
If you are strongly pro-union and refuse to cross a picket line, you’ll need to decide what you’re willing to do in the event of a strike – do you only go to Disney California Adventure, or do you skip the trip entirely? Personally I’d give this another week before calling my travel agent to make any changes, but this is going to be up to each individual to decide for themselves and their family.
