Current:Home > MarketsDisneyland workers vote to authorize strike, citing unfair labor practice during bargaining period-InfoLens
Disneyland workers vote to authorize strike, citing unfair labor practice during bargaining period
View Date:2024-12-23 11:55:08
Thousands of workers at Disney's theme parks and resorts in Southern California announced late Friday night that they have authorized a strike, citing alleged unfair labor practices during recent contract negotiations.
Four unions representing more than 14,000 workers at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Disney-owned hotels announced the walkout, saying its members overwhelmingly voted in favor after hundreds of alleged labor violations by Disney "interfered with the unions getting the fair contract cast members deserve." They said of the members who participated in the vote, 99% voted in favor of authorizing the strike; however, an exact number was not released.
"Today's overwhelming unfair labor practice strike authorization vote sends a clear message to the company: we are stronger together and will not be divided by scare tactics," the Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee said in a statement on Friday, adding: "We make the theme parks' profits and the magic you find across the resort. But instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney is intimidating, surveilling, and unlawfully disciplining members, harming our negotiations and our ability to get the contract we deserve."
The authorization does not mean a strike will happen immediately and both sides could reach a deal. If a strike does happen, it would be the first at Disneyland in 40 years.
"We are fed up with being pushed around by Disney and are ready to fight back against its unfair labor practices," David Hernandez, who is a member of the bargaining committee and monorail operator, said in a statement.
The unions said they have been negotiating a new contract with Disney since April 24. Nearly two months later, on June 10, Disney workers announced that they had filed unfair labor practice charges against the company. The charges, concerning more than 675 workers, are now being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board.
Ahead of the vote, hundreds of Disneyland employees protested outside the world-famous theme park on July 17, calling for better wages and denouncing anti-union practices.
A Disneyland representative told CBS News in a statement that the strike authorization is not unusual as part of a negotiation process and that the company looks forward to continuing discussions in upcoming meetings on Monday and Tuesday.
"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," the representative said, adding that the parks continue to welcome guests.
The four unions that represent the workers are the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83; the Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW); the Teamsters Local 495; and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324.
They said they are seeking fair wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases and safe parks for cast members. The unions cited economic hardship for their members, including food and housing insecurity.
"Instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney is intimidating, surveilling, and unlawfully disciplining members, harming our negotiations and our ability to get the contract we deserve," the bargaining committee said.
The contract for cast members at Disneyland expired on June 16 while the contract for Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney workers expires on September 30.
The bargaining committee said it is committed to negotiations on Monday and Tuesday, but said the strike authorization allows it to call a strike at any time.
- In:
- Disneyland
- Disney
- Labor Union
- California
- Union
Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at CBSNews.com. Previously, Lucia was the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has previously written for outlets including FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino and the Rutland Herald.
TwitterveryGood! (73)
Related
- Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures
- Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis play father and daughter in ‘Goodrich’
- Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely with knee injury
- Woman dies 2 days after co-worker shot her at Santa Monica College, police say
- Advocates Expect Maryland to Drive Climate Action When Trump Returns to Washington
- Georgia measure would cap increases in homes’ taxable value to curb higher property taxes
- Attorneys give opening statements in murder trial of Minnesota man accused of killing his girlfriend
- Oklahoma parents and teachers sue to stop top education official’s classroom Bible mandate
- Will Aaron Rodgers retire? Jets QB tells reporters he plans to play in 2025
- Abortion rights group sues after Florida orders TV stations to stop airing ad
Ranking
- Taking stock of bonds: Does the 60/40 rule still have a role in retirement savings?
- Work in a Cold Office? These Items Will Keep You Warm
- Funeral home owner accused of leaving body in hearse set to enter plea in court
- Georgia state government cash reserves keep growing despite higher spending
- Natural gas flares sparked 2 wildfires in North Dakota, state agency says
- DeSantis approves changes to election procedures for hurricane affected counties
- Liam Payne's death devastates Gen Z – even those who weren't One Direction fans
- Virginia men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett is retiring effective immediately
Recommendation
-
Apologetic rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine gets 45 days in prison for probation violations
-
Rep. Rashida Tlaib accuses Kroger of using facial recognition for future surge pricing
-
Texas Supreme Court halts Robert Roberson's execution after bipartisan fight for mercy
-
Republicans appeal a Georgia judge’s ruling that invalidates seven election rules
-
IAT Community Introduce
-
The Biden administration has now canceled loans for more than 1 million public workers
-
Mountain West commissioner says she’s heartbroken over turmoil surrounding San Jose State volleyball
-
Rita Ora Leaves Stage During Emotional Performance of Liam Payne Song