The Daily Populous Wednesday July 31st, 2024 morning edition
Authored by ocregister.com and submitted by plz-let-me-in

Disneyland workers and managers both declared victory after union members voted to accept a “historic” pay raise for ride operators, store clerks, ticket takers and other employees following a bruising four-month fight that narrowly avoided a strike at the Anaheim theme park.

Master Services Council, which represents 14,000 Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney employees from four unions, announced late on Monday, July 29 its members had voted to accept a new contract that provides a 31% pay raise over the next three years.

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ALSO SEE: Disneyland’s 27 unions and who they represent — See the list

Both Disney and the unions called the agreement “historic” for Disneyland cast members, Disney parlance for workers.

“We are pleased that our cast members approved the new agreements, which, along with all we offer as part of our employment experience, demonstrate how much we value and respect them and our profound commitment to their overall well-being,” according to Disneyland officials.

“These contracts are historic for Disney cast members and we’re pleased cast members’ lives will improve as a result,” Disneyland Workers Rising said in a statement.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland’s Hungry Bear restaurant brings back barbecue and Country Bears

The “biggest wage increases ever” for Disneyland resort employees will raise hourly pay more than $6 over three years from the current $19.90 to $24 in 2024 and $26 in 2026, according to the unions.

Long-term employees will get a 50-cent pay increase for 10 years of service and $2 for 20 years.

Current employees will get back pay at the new rate from June 17. New employees will make 90% of the new rate for the first year.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland offers $69 ticket to Anaheim residents in honor of park’s birthday

The contracts go into effect immediately at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney, according to the unions.

The union coalition — which has been negotiating with Disney over a new contract since April — represents ride operators, store clerks, custodians, candy makers, ticket takers, parking attendants, tram drivers and other cast members.

kkeiper1103 on July 30th, 2024 at 19:53 UTC »

You know, this makes my blood boil. Not because these people got a 31% pay raise (good for them!). No, instead, it makes my blood boil because, if Disneyland can afford to give an instant 31% pay raise, they obviously have been exploiting and underpaying their workers horribly.

bramtyr on July 30th, 2024 at 19:44 UTC »

Collective bargaining works, folks.

Disney could have paid them all more but chose not to. As soon as a strike was threatened, Disney caved immediately

plz-let-me-in on July 30th, 2024 at 19:39 UTC »

Disneyland union members voted to accept a 31% pay raise, bumping the minimum base wage to $24 an hour this year, and avoiding a potential strike that workers voted to authorize. This represents the ‘biggest wage increases ever’ for Disneyland resort employees. The new contract also has more flexibility in sick leave and attendance policies. This is what happens when workers unionize and work together to collectively bargain.