Disneyland workers are celebrating a historic win that marks a significant turning point for the Magic Kingdom’s dedicated staff. July 17 was not only the 69th birthday of Disneyland but also the day workers rallied to demand higher wages. Their hard-fought efforts have culminated in a new contract, ratified on July 30, that raises their hourly pay from $19.90 to $24—a substantial increase from the $11 an hour Ellie Gonzalez earned back in 2018.
Gonzalez, who is a custodian at Disney California Adventure and expecting twins, recalls the struggle of making ends meet. The new agreement represents a lifeline for many Disney employees. “Before these wage increases, I was very adamant about not having children,” Gonzalez shared. “Now, I feel like I’ll be able to pay my bills and provide the best possible life for my two babies.”
Recognized as delivering the “biggest wage increases ever,” the contract promises to raise wages to $26 an hour by 2026. Jessica Good, a Disneyland Resort spokesperson, expressed the company’s gratitude towards its employees, saying the new agreements illustrate Disney’s commitment to valuing and respecting their workforce.
This monumental shift has its roots in the efforts started by the Coalition of Resort Labor Unions (CRLU) back in 2017. Their report, “Working for the Mouse,” shed light on the financial hardships faced by Disneyland employees, leading to the successful advocacy for a $15 living wage through Anaheim’s Measure L.
Despite facing legal battles and a potential strike, a tentative agreement was reached just days after a strike authorization vote. While the new contract requires new hires to start at 90% of the base wage, the overall wage increase signifies a major victory for Disney’s workforce.
Ellie Gonzalez looks forward to a promising future with Disney, feeling proud and hopeful. She sees this contract as just the beginning of better opportunities for working-class people in Orange County.
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Source: Gabriel San Román
