Union officials announced that Disneyland Resort cast members in Anaheim have ratified a new three-year contract that includes a substantial 20% raise in their base pay. This agreement, reached by the Disney Workers Rising coalition, represents 14,000 employees across Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and Disney Hotels. The contract was approved following the authorization of a strike, averting what could have been the first walkout at Disneyland Resort in 40 years.
The new contract provides most cast members with an immediate $4.10 raise in their minimum base wage, followed by a $6.10 increase over the next few years. In addition to wage hikes, the contract includes a longevity increase for senior cast members, improvements in attendance policy and sick leave, and new premiums. The bargaining committee praised the cast members for their solidarity and efforts, which included attending rallies and sharing their stories publicly.
The unions involved in the negotiations are the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83, Teamsters Local 495, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324, and SEIU-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW). Despite challenges, such as an unfair labor practice charge filed by cast members for being treated unfairly for wearing union buttons at work, the coalition succeeded in securing these historic contracts, which promise to improve the lives of Disney cast members significantly.
Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright