In a historic move, workers at Disneyland in California have joined together to form a new union – Magic United. This development comes after years of controversy surrounding the treatment and compensation of performers who bring beloved Disney characters to life at the popular theme park near Los Angeles.
The newly formed union represents approximately 1,700 workers, including parade performers and character actors, who have long struggled with low wages and difficult working conditions. Despite being the “front lines” of the Disneyland guest experience, these workers have faced allegations of not being paid a living wage, especially in light of the high cost of housing in the area and lengthy commutes.
However, there is hope for change as Magic United has already negotiated a base pay increase for its members, with parade performers and character actors now earning $24.15 (£19) per hour, up from $20 (£15.75) as of January. The Actors’ Equity Association, which will represent the group, has praised this development as a significant step towards fair compensation for these workers.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Kate Shindle, president of the Actors’ Equity Association, stated, “They say that Disneyland is the place where dreams come true and for the Disney cast members who have worked to organise a union, their dream came true today.” Shindle also shared that the association and cast members will be discussing improvements to health and safety, wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security with Disney representatives in the hopes of incorporating these priorities into a contract.
The need for a union at Disneyland has become even more apparent during the ongoing pandemic. Workers have expressed concerns about being asked to resume hugging visitors, as well as the physical toll of wearing complex costumes and having erratic schedules. These concerns have only added to the determination of the workers to join together and demand fair treatment and compensation for their hard work.
This marks a significant moment in the history of Disneyland, as it has been over 40 years since workers in Florida, who portray characters such as Mickey, Goofy, and Donald Duck, successfully formed a union. At that time, performers in Florida faced similar issues, including unsanitary costumes and abuse from park guests.
With this latest development at Disneyland, it is clear that the workers’ voices have been heard and their demands for fair treatment and compensation have been taken seriously. As the union continues to negotiate with Disney representatives, there is hope for a more equitable and positive working environment for all Disneyland employees.
