Disneyland faces first strike in 40 years over low wages, pins

Most Disneyland employees have voted for a general strike. The reasons are not confined to low wages. Employees also complain that they are being intimidated for wearing pins depicting Mickey Mouse with a raised fist.

Union leaders will make the final decision on the strike. This would be the first strike in the world’s most famous amusement park in 40 years—the last one took place in 1984 and lasted 22 days.

The protest aims to put pressure on management due to prolonged wage negotiations. Estimates suggest that up to 10,000 people may join the demonstration.

"Today Disneyland Park cast members made their voices heard by voting to authorize the Disney Workers Rising bargaining committee to call for a strike to protest unfair labor practices by 99%," stated the UFCW Local 324 organization in a statement.

Just before the Friday vote, around 400 people called for a decision regarding the protest.

One of the reasons for the protest is low wages. CNN reports that a person cleaning on the night shift earns only $20 per hour despite the tough job requiring heavy equipment. One employee admitted, "It’s upsetting that the balloons that we sell in the park are more expensive than [what] I’m making an hour. I have to work an hour and a half if I want to afford one of those Disney balloons."

"We're the ones who make the magic. We need Disney to pay us a liveable wage," admitted a woman who works in the "Toontown" section, earning $19.90 per hour and living in a car in the amusement park's parking lot for two years. Recently, she managed to rent a small apartment about an hour’s drive from Disneyland, but she will no longer be able to afford the rent as it has increased by $200.

Disneyland representatives counter that wages have increased by more than 40% over the past five years. However, CNN points out that this is due to changes in state and local minimum wage laws.

However, wages are not the only reason for the announced strike. Union members point out that around 500 employees received reprimands and were threatened with disciplinary dismissal for wearing pins featuring Mickey Mouse with a raised fist (a symbol of the protest).

Disneyland representatives state that wearing union badges is against the uniform policy. In their opinion, only some employees were penalized.

Talks between the authorities and union leaders are scheduled for early next week.

Meanwhile, the media reported on next year's amusement park plans. Starting from January 1, 2025, guests staying at any of the official Disney World hotels will receive free access to water parks, including Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Usually, entrance tickets to these places cost $74 for adults and $68 for children. Additionally, the tax must also be paid.