ANAHEIM, Calif. – Disneyland, known as the “happiest place on earth,” has recently seen a shift in its atmosphere. Performers working as beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Elsa have unionized following health and safety concerns and dissatisfaction with wages.
In a significant union election, these performers at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park have voted overwhelmingly to unionize under the representation of Actors’ Equity Association. This union is known for its work with actors and stage managers on Broadway, marking a milestone for the 1,700 employees within the character and parade departments.
The decision to unionize stemmed from the performers facing health and safety concerns during the pandemic, especially around sharing costumes and physical contact with visitors. Furthermore, despite a wage increase from $20 to $24.15 in January, many employees found their earnings insufficient in the face of the rising cost of living in Southern California.
The organizing campaign, called “Magic United,” advocates for higher wages and more reliable schedules, addressing the challenges faced by parade performers in securing full-time hours. One employee, Mai Vo, who started at Disneyland at 16 and financed her college education through character performances, emphasized the toll of exhaustion from the job.
Disneyland expressed support for its workers’ right to a confidential vote while highlighting that non-union employees receive annual raises and paid sick leave in line with industry standards. Notably, most other workers at Disneyland, including stage performers and hospitality workers at resort hotels, are already part of unions.
In contrast, parade and characters performers at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, have long been represented by the Teamsters. The shift towards unionization at Disneyland showcases a growing trend of workers in the entertainment industry advocating for better working conditions and fair compensation.