Actors and performers at Disneyland Resort, known for portraying beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Cinderella, have voted to unionize, according to an announcement by the Actors Equity Association. The union, named Magic United, saw 79% of its members voting in favor of unionizing in a National Labor Relations Board vote, with 953 votes in favor and 258 against.
The decision to unionize comes after Disneyland workers in the characters and parades department expressed their intent to form a union back in February. The majority of the 35,000 workers at Disneyland are already part of a union, with the exception of those in the characters and parades department prior to this vote.
Actors Equity Association president Kate Shindle expressed support for the unionization, stating that the workers who create magical experiences for guests at the theme park deserve improved health and safety standards, wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security. The next step for the union will be to negotiate with the Walt Disney Company to turn these priorities into a formal contract.
While the unionization process is still ongoing and the results are not yet certified, a Disney spokesperson stated that the company respects the voices of its cast members and the opportunity they had to be heard through the voting process. The Actors Equity Association currently represents over 51,000 actors and stage managers across the country and has a positive working relationship with Disney, representing performers and stage managers at Walt Disney World in Orlando and Disney Theatricals on Broadway and national tours.
As the unionization of Disneyland Resort's actors and performers moves forward, both sides are looking towards a collaborative effort to improve the work experience for employees and enhance the guest experience at the iconic theme park.