ANAHEIM, California, USA – Disneyland actors who help bring Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and other beloved characters to life at the famed Southern California resort opted to unionize after a three-day vote that culminated Saturday.
The Actor’s Equality Association union reported Saturday in a statement that cast members in the parade and character departments at the theme parks located near Los Angeles approved by a wide margin to unionize to become bargaining agents for a group comprised of nearly 1,700 employees.
An association website that closely tracks voting among members indicated approval by 78.3% (953 votes) in favor and 21.3% (258 votes) against.
“They claim Disneyland is ‘the place where dreams come true’ and for Disney cast members who have worked to organize a union, their dream came true this day,” said Actors’ Equality Association president Kate Shindle in a statement released Saturday night.
Shindle referred to the workers as the “front line” of the Disney guest experience. The union and cast members will discuss ways to improve health and safety, wages, benefits, working conditions and job security before meeting with Walt Disney Company representatives to negotiate on a contract for staff priorities, she said.
The union already represents stage performers at Disney parks in Florida.