Disneyland workers voted to approve their new three-year contract about a week after voting to authorize a strike if an agreement could not be reached.
The workers, representing 14,000 cast members at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disney hotels in jobs including custodians, ride operators, candy makers and merchandise clerks, voted to ratify a three-year contract with what they say is the largest wage increase they’ve seen. Most workers will receive a wage increase of $6.10 over the next few years, with a minimum base wage rate of $24 in 2024.
Other new provisions include longevity increases for senior cast members and improvements to the attendance and sick leave policies.
“By ratifying these contracts, Disney cast members have secured historic raises and policies and protections that reflect their role as magic makers in the Disney parks. For months hard-working cast members have stood together at the bargaining table and in the parks to ensure Disney recognized what they bring to the theme park experience, and these contracts are a concrete and direct result of this tireless work,” The Disney Workers Rising Bargaining Committee said in a statement.
The contracts at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney go into effect immediately upon ratification.
The bargaining unit, part of the Master Services Council, had entered into negotiations with Disney on April 24. The contract for cast members at Disneyland expired June 16, 2024. The contract for Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney cast members expires September 30, 2024.
Workers of Disney’s largest bargaining unit in California – representing a diverse set of classifications from custodians and ride operators to candy makers and merchandise clerks – entered into negotiations with the company on April 24, 2024, and were fighting for fair wages, a fair attendance policy, seniority increases, and safe parks for cast members and guests.
The contract for cast members at Disneyland expired June 16, 2024. The contract for Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney cast members expires September 30, 2024.
