Disneyland workers cast ballots in strike authorization vote
As someone who has followed the ongoing labor dispute between Disneyland workers and the company, I cannot help but be moved by the experiences of dedicated employees like Cyn Carranza. Her story of working multiple jobs while living in her car is a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by many service industry workers, even in the midst of an economic recovery.
Last summer, Cyn Carranza worked at Disneyland and resided in her car with her pet, utilizing the resort’s facilities for showers.
In the wee hours of this past spring, I found myself inside a popular theme park, diligently scrubbing, waxing, and buffing floors from 11:45 p.m. until 7:55 a.m. This grueling task was just the beginning of my long day, as I then reported to work at a nearby Goodwill from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exhaustion began to set in during my morning commute, fighting to keep my eyes open on the monotonous freeway.
Carranza, living in Santa Ana with her boyfriend, has been employed by Disney for almost six years now. The minimum wage she earns there as a hospitality worker in Anaheim is $19.90 per hour.)
Carranza expressed the high cost of living, “It’s very pricey here.” Previously, he held three jobs yet remained unable to secure a home.
As a movie lover and Disneyland enthusiast, I’m among the nearly 10,000 employees who have the opportunity to cast our votes in a strike authorization this week. We’re still in negotiations with Disney over better wages and improved working conditions. The outcome of our vote will be revealed on Saturday.
Should the authorization be granted, union heads could opt for a strike if productive contract talks with Disney prove elusive.
“Carranza assured, ‘We’re not unappreciative.’ However, we request more convenience from them, a sense of inclusion in the decision-making process. With our collective strength, we’re edging towards a strike if necessary, to convey our message effectively.”
Last week, the Master Services Council – a union coalition including custodians, ride operators, candy makers, merchandise clerks, and other staff members at Anaheim’s theme park – announced their plans to hold a strike vote.
Disneyland has experienced a significant strike among its employees back in 1984, which continued for 22 consecutive days. As of now, the contracts for Disneyland workers will come to an end on June 16. On the other hand, the agreements covering California Adventure and Downtown Disney are scheduled to terminate by September 30.
Victor Narro, UCLA Labor Center’s project director and labor studies professor, stated, “This is the first time in the last 40 years that such an event is occurring. It involves a coalition of unions, which could lead to a significant work stoppage.”
After the pandemic, the tourism industry has bounced back strongly, experiencing remarkable growth. However, the working conditions within it have unfortunately shown no signs of improvement.
A “strike authorization vote” is a common step during contract talks, according to Disneyland’s representative Jessica Good in a statement on their website. It doesn’t mean a strike is about to happen or currently taking place.
“Our past negotiations with the Master Services Council have consistently resulted in success, with our upcoming session slated for July 22. Our primary goal is to finalize a new contract that benefits all our team members by being reasonable and just.”
The site adds that all Disneyland Resort parks and hotels will stay open and be prepared to receive visitors, regardless of how many employees decide to go on strike.
As a devoted moviegoer, I can tell you that things really heated up in June when the unions made some serious accusations against the company. They filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board, claiming that the company had threatened disciplinary action towards hundreds of employees. The reason for this supposed threat? Wearing union pins featuring Mickey Mouse’s clenched fist as a symbol of solidarity at work.
The Master Services Council argues that putting on those pins is a permitted union practice, meaning Disney cannot penalize employees for it. In contrast, Disney believes the pins go against their dress code and claims only a few instances of recurring infractions have resulted in disciplinary measures, starting with a verbal reprimand.
Disneyland Resort workers attached badges to their outfits as a sign of unity during their ongoing contract talks with the corporation, which commenced in late April.
Approximately 14,000 Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney employees are advocating for higher wages to match the rising living costs in Southern California. Additionally, they are pushing for improved safety protocols and modifications to Disney’s attendance policy as incentives for long-term staff members.
Approximately 400 employees of Disneyland Resort gathered exterior the primary entrance on Wednesday, waving picket indicators that read, “Disney, act justly” and “Fair compensation is Mouse’s desire.”
In a statement on the Disneyland website, Good expressed his ongoing commitment to ensuring the health and happiness of both our guests and employees, as we witness a rally today.
“We are firmly dedicated to working with Master Services towards an accord, prioritizing the needs of our cast members, fostering expansion and employment opportunities at Disneyland Resort, and ensuring we continue to provide exceptional guest experiences.”
As a movie critic, I’ve seen my fair share of battles between unions and management, and one tactic that always seems to make an impact is engaging directly with the guests. This month, I was among the workers distributing those infamous Mickey buttons to park visitors at the resort, and we also encouraged signatures for our campaign petition. The response has been overwhelming; with over 10,000 signatures collected according to the Master Services Council.
In the tourism sector, tourists have the power to significantly back the union in applying pressure on employers, according to Narro’s perspective, which is an effective approach.
Ellie Gonzalez, a custodian at California Adventure, often receives praises from visitors who approach her with kindness and admiration, acknowledging her union membership with appreciative looks.
“Gonzalez expressed his gratitude for the fact that people are drawn to my button and understand its significance,” he shared.
As a moviegoer, I’ve heard the disappointment and even frustration from Gonzalez and other dedicated Disneyland Resort employees. While they’re advocating for fairer wages, management is pushing ahead with an ambitious $1.9-billion expansion project. It’s a challenging situation where those who bring the magic to life daily are seeking recognition, yet the focus seems to be on grander spectacles rather than addressing their concerns.
“I’m pregnant with twins, so finances is definitely a stressful point for me,” Gonzalez said.
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2024-07-19 13:34