Maybe it’s not the Happiest Place on Earth.
Thousands of Disney union workers voted to authorize a strike Friday, citing unfair labor practices at the company’s Southern California parks and resort.
More than 14,000 workers across four unions at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Disney-owned hotels are ready to walk out, their unions said.
There hasn’t been a strike at the amusement park in 40 years.
Union leaders claim hundreds of alleged labor violations by Disney meant they weren’t able to get the fair contracts they deserved, CBS News reported.
“Today’s overwhelming unfair labor practice strike authorization vote sends a clear message to the company: we are stronger together and will not be divided by scare tactics,” the Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee said Friday.
“We make the theme parks’ profits and the magic you find across the resort. But instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney is intimidating, surveilling, and unlawfully disciplining members, harming our negotiations and our ability to get the contract we deserve.”
Authorization, however, doesn’t mean a strike is inevitable.
Both sides could still reach a deal.
The unions said they have been negotiating a new contract with Disney since April 24.
On June 10, Disney workers filed unfair labor practice charges against the company.
The charges, concerning more than 675 workers, are now being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board.
The unions want fair wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases and safe parks for cast members.
The unions cited economic hardship for their members, including food and housing insecurity.
Negotiations will continue early this week, CBS reported.