![[US] Disneyland Resort narrowly avoids first strike in decades](http://gpa.net/cdn/shop/articles/bigstock-Disneyland-Entrance-Sign-105371105_1200x.jpg?v=1722207194)
In the US, Disneyland Resort has narrowly avoided the organisation’s first employee strike in 40 years by reaching a tentative agreement with 14,000 workers on July 23, CNN reports.
Around 9,500 employees whose contracts had already expired voted on July 17 to authorise a strike, which had yet to be scheduled as negotiations continued.
The bargaining group of four unions reportedly represented workers including ticket takers, candy makers, custodians, retail workers and ride operators.
Following the tentative deal, Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good told CNN, “We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation.”
Background
On July 17, more than 200 Disneyland Resort employees protested outside the California theme parks to demand better wages and denounce alleged anti-union practices by the company, according to MSN reporting.
The protests came as a strike vote was pending.
Workers in familiar character costumes from “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” themed rides were reportedly among those to join the rally in Anaheim, near Los Angeles. It was organised by unions representing around 14,000 Disneyland employees.
Slogans on signs carried by the protesters read, “Mickey would want fair pay” and “Disney, don’t be the villain”.
Disney has been negotiating with the four California unions representing its park employees since April. However, the talks have proven unsuccessful with unions accusing the 'House of Mouse’ of intimidating employees.
Disney reportedly claims to have reprimanded and issued warnings to more than 500 employees for wearing a union badge featuring an image of Mickey Mouse’s iconic glove clenched in a fist.
The allegations have prompted an investigation by the National Labor Relations Board.
Disney contends that the union pins violate its “Disney Look” dress code.
Employees were due to vote on whether to authorise a strike by the end of last week. If the action is approved, unions will decide on its terms and duration.
Contract talks with Disney are reportedly set for July 22 and 23.
Employees at the Disneyland resort - comprising the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks - have not gone on strike since 1984, according to the LA Times, making a large-scale walkout at the parks historic.
Protesters reportedly marched to the park’s perimeter and attempted to set up equipment for speeches. They were instructed by security to relocate to a car park around 200 metres away.
In a July 17 statement, Disney said, “With today’s rally, we continue to be focused on the wellbeing of our guests and cast members.”
“We remain committed to the upcoming meetings on July 22-23 and reaching an agreement with Master Services that focuses on what matters most to cast members, positions Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation and enables us to continue delivering incredible guest experiences.”
What happens next
Union leaders reportedly said they will not release details of the new, tentative, agreement until employees have had the opportunity to review and vote on the contract on July 29.
In a statement, the bargaining committee said they had reached this tentative agreement after four months of hard-fought negotiations, “We have shown Disney that we are the true magic makers of the park and today proves that when workers stand together for what they deserve, we win. We look forward to making our voices heard during the voting process to ratify this contract.”
(Links and quotes via original reporting)
In the US, Disneyland Resort has narrowly avoided the organisation’s first employee strike in 40 years by reaching a tentative agreement with 14,000 workers on July 23, CNN reports.
Around 9,500 employees whose contracts had already expired voted on July 17 to authorise a strike, which had yet to be scheduled as negotiations continued.
The bargaining group of four unions reportedly represented workers including ticket takers, candy makers, custodians, retail workers and ride operators.
Following the tentative deal, Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Good told CNN, “We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation.”
Background
On July 17, more than 200 Disneyland Resort employees protested outside the California theme parks to demand better wages and denounce alleged anti-union practices by the company, according to MSN reporting.
The protests came as a strike vote was pending.
Workers in familiar character costumes from “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” themed rides were reportedly among those to join the rally in Anaheim, near Los Angeles. It was organised by unions representing around 14,000 Disneyland employees.
Slogans on signs carried by the protesters read, “Mickey would want fair pay” and “Disney, don’t be the villain”.
Disney has been negotiating with the four California unions representing its park employees since April. However, the talks have proven unsuccessful with unions accusing the 'House of Mouse’ of intimidating employees.
Disney reportedly claims to have reprimanded and issued warnings to more than 500 employees for wearing a union badge featuring an image of Mickey Mouse’s iconic glove clenched in a fist.
The allegations have prompted an investigation by the National Labor Relations Board.
Disney contends that the union pins violate its “Disney Look” dress code.
Employees were due to vote on whether to authorise a strike by the end of last week. If the action is approved, unions will decide on its terms and duration.
Contract talks with Disney are reportedly set for July 22 and 23.
Employees at the Disneyland resort - comprising the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks - have not gone on strike since 1984, according to the LA Times, making a large-scale walkout at the parks historic.
Protesters reportedly marched to the park’s perimeter and attempted to set up equipment for speeches. They were instructed by security to relocate to a car park around 200 metres away.
In a July 17 statement, Disney said, “With today’s rally, we continue to be focused on the wellbeing of our guests and cast members.”
“We remain committed to the upcoming meetings on July 22-23 and reaching an agreement with Master Services that focuses on what matters most to cast members, positions Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation and enables us to continue delivering incredible guest experiences.”
What happens next
Union leaders reportedly said they will not release details of the new, tentative, agreement until employees have had the opportunity to review and vote on the contract on July 29.
In a statement, the bargaining committee said they had reached this tentative agreement after four months of hard-fought negotiations, “We have shown Disney that we are the true magic makers of the park and today proves that when workers stand together for what they deserve, we win. We look forward to making our voices heard during the voting process to ratify this contract.”
(Links and quotes via original reporting)