Hundreds of Disneyland Resort staff resorted to protest exterior of the world-famous California theme parks on Wednesday, urging for higher wages and denouncing alleged anti-union practices by the corporate forward of a looming strike vote.
Featuring employees in costumes from the parks’ “Indiana Jones” and “Star Wars” themed rides, amongst others, the rally was organized by unions representing some 14,000 Disneyland staff, from rollercoaster operators to sweet makers.
Slogans among the many indicators being carried included “Mickey would want fair pay” and “Disney, don’t be the villain” on the march in Anaheim, close to Los Angeles.
“We deserve fair wages,” stated 44-year-old Disneyland worker Ginny Cristales.
“A strike is our last resort, that we’re not wanting to do. But if Disney doesn’t comply and give us what we need, then we’re all ready.”
Disney has been in negotiations since April with the 4 California unions representing its park staff.
The talks have up to now yielded nothing, and unions accuse the so-called “Happiest Place in the World” of intimidating staff.
Disney is claimed to have reprimanded and issued warnings to greater than 500 staff for carrying a union pin that includes a picture of Mickey Mouse’s glove clenched within the form of a fist.
“Last week, I saw a manager telling one of the cast members to remove her badge. He told her that it will be on her record card,” stated Cristales.
“She was stressed and she got scared.”
The allegations have prompted an investigation by the National Labor Relations Board.
Disney has stated the union buttons violate its “Disney Look” costume code.
Employees will vote on whether or not to authorize a strike this Friday. If the motion is authorized, unions will then determine on its phrases and length.
Contract talks with Disney are set for subsequent Monday and Tuesday.
‘We make the magic’
In the wake of final yr’s devastating strikes by Hollywood actors and writers, one other large-scale walkout at Disney can be historic.
Employees on the Disneyland resort – composed of the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure theme parks – haven’t gone on strike since 1984, in keeping with the LA Times.
But Cristales, a mom of 4, stated her $2,800 month-to-month wage doesn’t even cowl her household’s hire.
“We make the magic, they make the money,” went one of many chants heard Wednesday, as passing vehicles honked in help.
“Disney will invest $2 billion in its park but refuses to pay workers a living age” learn a slogan on a protesters’ T-shirt.
Organizers stated one thousand protesters attended the rally.
An Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist noticed a number of hundred march to the park’s perimeter, the place they tried to arrange for speeches, however had been advised by safety to maneuver to a carpark some 200 yards (meters) away.
“With today’s rally, we continue to be focused on the wellbeing of our guests and cast members,” stated Disney in an announcement Wednesday.
“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.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com