Exciting news from the Happiest Place on Earth! Disneyland is celebrating a landmark victory for its employees after negotiating a significant wage increase. Thousands of Disneyland workers recently agreed to a new contract, securing a 31% pay rise spread over three years. This impressive bump brings their hourly wages from $19.90 to a whopping $26. Even better, most of that increase kicks in immediately, lifting wages to $24 per hour.
This new agreement comes on the heels of a determined campaign organized by a coalition of four Disney unions, representing over 14,000 dedicated workers. Rallying together, these employees made their voices heard, voting to authorize a strike—a move that would have marked the park’s first in 40 years. However, the strike was averted as both the union and Disney reached a satisfactory agreement.
In addition to the wage hikes, the contract introduces more flexible attendance and sick-leave policies. Longevity increases were also part of the deal, with those serving 10 years receiving an extra $0.50 per hour, and those with 20 years of service getting an additional $2 per hour. These changes are retroactive from June 17, making the adjustments even more impactful.
The unions involved, under the name Disney Workers Rising, united a diverse group of park employees, from custodians to retail workers and cast members. Negotiations were intense, featuring mediator interventions and numerous rallies, with workers donning symbolic buttons featuring Mickey Mouse’s hand in a fist—an emblem of their unity and resolve.
Both Disney and the unions are celebrating this milestone. Union organizers hailed the contract as “historic” and “the contract we all deserve,” while Disney expressed pride in their working relationship with the unions and emphasized the deal’s focus on cast members’ well-being and the resort’s future growth.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this groundbreaking development. What are your feelings on the new wage increases and the employee-driven campaign? Share your insights in the comments below and let’s keep this conversation going!
Source: Hannah Abraham
