BBC Article Details The Struggles Disneyland Employees Endure
Image Source: Disneyland Resort
The union collective representing ride operators, parking attendants, store associates, custodians, and other Disneyland employees who keep things running has returned to the negotiation table with the company. A contract covering over 9,000 employees expired on June 16, 2024, and these talks have been occurring ahead of time since April; they are fighting for fairer pay and improved safety precautions, among other things. In the meantime, employees have discussed the reality of their daily lives with the BBC, highlighting the need for these talks.
According to Redfin, the housing cost in Orange County, California is 156% higher than the national average; the average rent is over $3k per month, while the average house is about $1.2 million. To live in the same county as the park requires a fair bit of money, an amount barely attainable. Multiple park employees have reported having to live in their cars, and they aren’t allowed to sleep on the property overnight. Even when rent is achievable, cast members are still living paycheck to paycheck, and rent increases can be detrimental; with one increase, an employee going by Slaughter stated she won’t be able to stay afloat. They have reportedly been harassed for wearing union pins as well, with unfair labor charges filed already.
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Image Source: LA Times
An employee going by Morgan stated, “Without us, Disney would be like anywhere else.” The employees of the park are the ones who generate the experience, who keep things clean and orderly, and bring the magic to character interactions. While employees like Morgan take pride in their work, the wage from this single job isn’t functionally liveable.
Passion for the Disney brand isn't the only reason people stick around and aim to make a career out of what they do. Benefits are reportedly attractive, from good healthcare to a helpful Union-sponsored food pantry. On the other hand, schedules are strict and potentially inconsistent, making them inflexible to family emergencies while spontaneous enough to make juggling multiple jobs particularly difficult.
More Perfect Union, a nonprofit journalism organization, has reported that a strike has been authorized by Disneyland employees with a 99% vote; this includes over 14,000 workers who will go on strike should it be called. This would be a first for the park in 40 years. While a strike is not guaranteed, the progression and outcome of the contract negotiations will help determine if it’s a necessary move.
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