Disney has reached a tentative labor deal with roughly 14,000 workers at its California theme parks.
The deal averts what would have been the first major Disneyland strike in 40 years.
The deal covers four different unions and includes a variety of positions from custodians, parking attendants and ride operators to candy makers and merchandise clerks at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disney hotels.
Workers entered into negotiations with the company on April 24, and were fighting for fair wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases and safer parks for cast members and guests.
While Disneyland brands itself as "The Happiest Place on Earth," the reality for park employees is largely one of economic hardship, according to the Disney Workers Rising union. One survey cited by the union shows 73% of the cast members report they do not earn enough money to cover basic expenses each month. A separate survey of cast members this year found that:
• Nearly three in 10 cast members (28%) report experiencing food insecurity
• 64% of cast members are "rent burdened" or spending more than half of their monthly paychecks on rent
• 33% of cast members experienced housing insecurity in the past year
• 42% of cast members had to miss work for medical treatment because they didn’t have enough sick leave
Workers were prepared to strike and held several rallies outside of the parks demanding jobs with dignity and livable wages. The contract for cast members at Disneyland expired June 16, while the contract for Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney cast members expires September 30.
"We achieved our goals – a three-year contract that contains significant wage increases for all cast members, seniority increases and the retention of premiums," Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee said in a statement. "We also addressed issues that will make the attendance policy work better for cast members."
In a statement, Disney said: "We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation."
Union leaders say workers will vote on the deal Monday. Further details of the agreement are being shared exclusively with cast members before the vote.
"We have shown Disney that we are the true magic makers of the park and today proves that when workers stand together for what they deserve, we win. We look forward to making our voices heard during the voting process to ratify this contract," the committee added.
In June, Disney cast members filed unfair labor practice charges against Disney on behalf of 14,000 workers at the resort for unlawful discipline, intimidation and surveillance of union members exercising their right to wear union buttons at work. The charges relate to over 675 cast members whom the unions maintain have been intimidated, surveilled and disciplined for wearing union buttons in support of their contract campaign. The charges are currently being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board.