Disneyland Employees Report Living in Cars and Motels Due to Low Wages

Cynthia “Cyn” Carranza, an overnight custodian at Disneyland, struggles to find a discreet parking spot for her car, which serves as her home. Earning $20.65 an hour (about £15.99), Carranza finds it difficult to cover the high rent in Southern California, where average apartments cost over $2,000 (around £1,550) a month. Reflecting on the past summer, she recounted sneaking into Disneyland’s costume department for showers. Though she now shares a small apartment with her boyfriend—who also works at the park—financial challenges persist. “No one should have to endure this while working a full-time job for a company like Disney,” she told the BBC.

Carranza’s situation is emblematic of broader issues faced by Disneyland employees. Approximately 10,000 union workers are considering a strike over wages and alleged retaliatory anti-union practices. Recent protests outside the park featured signs and chants demanding fair pay, and the union’s vote to authorize a strike could prompt swift action if negotiations with Disney falter.

The contract for Disneyland’s cast members expired on June 16. Negotiations involve a coalition of unions representing around 10,000 employees, including performers, ride operators, and support staff. Union officials report that about 10% of cast members have faced homelessness, and a survey revealed that 73% struggle to cover basic expenses, with about a third experiencing housing insecurity in the past year.

L Slaughter, a Toontown host, spent two years living in her car while working at Disneyland and now rents a small apartment an hour away. She finds her $19.90 hourly wage insufficient to live in Southern California. A MIT calculator suggests that $30.48 an hour is needed to live near Disneyland.

Disney has pledged to negotiate in good faith, aiming for a deal that benefits current and future cast members. The last Disneyland strike occurred in 1984 and lasted 22 days. Despite their dedication, many employees face financial strain, advocating for fair wages that reflect their crucial role in the park’s success.

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