Disneyland union protesters chant ‘shut it down’ ahead of strike vote

Disneyland’s largest union coalition protested on the Anaheim theme park’s birthday with ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote.

Disneyland union employees rallied outside the park’s entrance on Wednesday, July 17 in support of union contract negotiations seeking fair wages. The symbolic date marked the 69th anniversary of the park’s opening on July 17, 1955.

Thousands of Disneyland union employees and supporters rally outside the theme park’s Harbor Boulevard entrance in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers are fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Thousands of Disneyland union employees and supporters rally outside the theme park’s Harbor Boulevard entrance in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers are fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Thousands of Disneyland union employees and supporters rally outside the theme park’s Harbor Boulevard entrance in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers are fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Thousands of Disneyland union employees and supporters rally outside the theme park’s Harbor Boulevard entrance in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers are fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Thousands of Disneyland union employees and supporters rally outside the theme park’s Harbor Boulevard entrance in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers are fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Thousands of Disneyland union employees and supporters rally outside the theme park’s Harbor Boulevard entrance in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers are fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Thousands of Disneyland union employees and supporters rally outside the theme park’s Harbor Boulevard entrance in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers are fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Thousands of Disneyland union employees and supporters rally outside the theme park’s Harbor Boulevard entrance in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers are fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Thousands of Disneyland union employees and supporters rally outside the theme park’s Harbor Boulevard entrance in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers are fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Thousands of Disneyland union employees and supporters rally outside the theme park’s Harbor Boulevard entrance in Anaheim, CA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ride operators, candy makers and ticket takers are fighting for a pay raise ahead of a planned strike vote on Friday. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Union members set up a sound system outside the Disneyland security checkpoint and delivered speeches while theme park guests entered and exited the parks.

The rally moved to Harbor Boulevard with protestors filling the Disneyland drop off/pick up lot. Union members chanted: “If we don’t get it. Shut it down.”

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Master Services Council, which represents 14,000 Disneyland employees from four unions, plans to hold a strike authorization vote on Friday, July 19.

“A strike authorization is not unusual as part of the negotiations process and does not indicate a strike is imminent or underway,” according to the Disneyland union negotiation online FAQ. “Disneyland Resort remains open and ready to welcome guests.”

Disney negotiators and union officials are scheduled to meet again on July 22 and 23, according to Disneyland officials.

“With today’s rally, we continue to be focused on the wellbeing of our guests and cast members,” according to Disneyland officials. “We remain committed to the upcoming meetings on July 22-23 and reaching an agreement with Master Services that focuses on what matters most to cast members, positions Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation and enables us to continue delivering incredible guest experiences.”

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, Disney parlance for employees.

The Disneyland contract covering approximately 9,000 employees expired June 16. The Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney contracts covering approximately 5,000 employees expire on Sept. 30.

Master Services Council declined to enter into a contract extension after the Disneyland contract expired, according to Disneyland officials.

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