Maybe this isn’t the happiest place on earth.
Thousands of Disney union members voted Friday to authorize a strike over unfair labor practices at the company’s Southern California parks and resorts.
More than 14,000 workers from four unions at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and Disney-owned hotels are preparing to strike, the unions announced.
The amusement park hasn’t had a strike in 40 years.
Union leaders claim that hundreds of labor violations by Disney have denied them a fair contract, CBS News reported.
“Today’s overwhelming unfair labor practice strike authorization vote sent a clear message to the company: we are stronger together, not divided by intimidation tactics,” the Disney Workers Uprising Negotiating Committee said Friday.
“We create the profits of our theme parks and the magic seen throughout our resorts. But instead of rewarding our hard work and dedication, Disney is intimidating, surveilling and illegally disciplining our members, undermining our ability to negotiate and get the contract we deserve.”
But approval does not mean a strike is inevitable.
The two sides could still reach an agreement.
The union said it has been negotiating a new contract with Disney since April 24.
On June 10, Disney workers filed an unfair labor practice lawsuit against the company.
The allegations, involving more than 675 workers, are currently being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board.
The union is seeking fair wages for performers, fair attendance policies, pay increases for seniority and safe parking.
The union pointed to economic hardships among its members, including food and housing insecurity.
CBS reported that negotiations were expected to continue earlier this week.
