ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Performers who portray Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and other cherished characters at Disneyland in Southern California have voted to unionize. The decision came after a three-day voting period concluded on Saturday.
The Actors’ Equity Association announced that cast members from Disneyland’s parade and character departments voted overwhelmingly in favor of union representation. With a total of approximately 1,700 workers, the vote showed 78.7% (953 votes) in favor and 21.3% (258 votes) against.
“They say that Disneyland is ‘the place where dreams come true,’ and for the Disney Cast Members who have worked to organize a union, their dream came true today,” said Actors’ Equity Association President Kate Shindle in a statement. Shindle described these workers as the “front lines” of the Disneyland guest experience. She added that discussions related to health and safety, wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security would be prioritized before negotiating with Walt Disney Company representatives.
The union, which already represents theatrical performers at Disney parks in Florida, expects the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regional director to certify the election results within a week, pending any challenges. The NLRB did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation or additional details regarding the vote.
The union election was held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday in Anaheim following workers’ earlier filing of cards to establish the unit “Magic United.” Those advocating for unionization mentioned their dedication to creating a magical experience but raised concerns about resuming physical interactions with visitors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, injuries from elaborate costumes, and inconsistent schedules.
Most of Disneyland Resort’s 35,000 workers, including cleaning, pyrotechnic, and security staff, are already unionized. The resort encompasses Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney in Anaheim.
Disney has faced scrutiny in recent years over allegations of not providing a livable wage to its Southern California employees, who often deal with high housing costs and long commutes. Parade performers and character actors currently earn a base pay of $24.15 per hour, up from $20 before January, with additional premiums for different roles.
Despite a long-term decline in union membership across the United States, there has been a resurgence in public support for unions recently, highlighted by high-profile contract negotiations involving Hollywood studios and Las Vegas hotels. The NLRB noted over 2,500 filings for union representation in the 2023 fiscal year, the highest in eight years.
Efforts to unionize character and parade performers at Disneyland come more than 40 years after their counterparts in Disney’s Florida parks, who are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, originally unionized. Issues at the time included unclean costumes and guest-related abuses.
