ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – The Actors Equity Association announced Saturday night that actors and performers at Disneyland Resort have voted to unionize. The decision came after months of organizing efforts under the name Magic United, with the union garnering 79% of the votes in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) vote.
The unionization effort primarily impacted workers in the characters and parades department, as most of the 35,000 workers at Disneyland are already unionized. Actors Equity Association president Kate Shindle expressed excitement, stating, “For the Disney Cast Members who have worked to organize a union, their dream came true today.”
The vote’s certification by the NLRB will proceed if no challenges arise in the coming week, according to the union’s statement. Shindle emphasized that the next steps would involve collaborating with workers to address various priorities, including health and safety, wages, benefits, and job security.
Shindle also highlighted the essential role these Cast Members play in creating memorable experiences for Disney guests. She mentioned plans to negotiate these priorities into the workers’ first contract with the Walt Disney Company in the near future.
The Disneyland Resort, consisting of Disneyland Park, Disney’s California Adventure, three hotels, and Downtown Disney, stands as one of the most visited theme parks and entertainment attractions globally. The Actors Equity Association noted its existing working relationship with Disney, representing performers and stage managers at various Disney locations around the country.
Overall, the union now represents over 51,000 actors and stage managers nationwide. While a Disney spokesperson refrained from commenting on the election results, emphasizing respect for the voices of their cast members, the company acknowledged the ongoing process before the election’s official certification.
In conclusion, the successful unionization of Disneyland Resort’s actors and performers marks a significant achievement in improving working conditions and advocating for the rights of workers within the entertainment industry.