From The Happiest Place on Earth to Misery Land: Disneyland Employees Force to Live in Cars or Motels Due to Low Wages
Nearly 10,000 employees of Disneyland are planning to go on a strike, due to low wages as reported by BBC.
Disneyland, often known as the ‘Happiest place on Earth’, where visitors go to experience the realm of magic and fantasy is now facing a significant dispute as nearly 10,000 employees are planning to strike due to low wages and anti-union tactics.
According to union officials, about one in 10 Disneyland employees have faced homelessness whereas, 73% of the employees struggle to meet their basic needs, according to a survey.
This move comes after the contract for Disneyland cast members had expired on June 16, 2024 and recent negotiations include a coalition of unions which will represent diverse range of workers from those who work as characters and operate rides to sales in restaurants to janitors.
Last week, hundreds of employees from Disneyland gathered outside and chanted slogans like “Mickey would want fair play” and “cast members deserve a living wage”.
Increase minimum wages
Cynthia “Cyn” Carranza, an overnight custodian at Disneyland spoke about her struggles. Last summer, she lived in car with her two dogs as she earned $20.65 per hour and the average apartment rent is about $2000 per month in Southern California. This is way too less for her to rent an apartment as well as for meeting her basic needs.
She further told BBC that she used to take showers in Disneyland’s costume department and search for parking in shady areas so that she could sleep properly before her shift.
Ms. Carranza, now shares an apartment with her boyfriend, who works at Disneyland itself with her but still find it difficult to meet her basic needs.
“That’s not something that anybody should experience working a full time job for a company like Disney,” Carranza told the BBC.
Another employee, L Slaughter, a host at the Toontown-themes part of the Disneyland also expressed her frustration due to fewer wage. She told BBC that she reside in her car for 2 years and even struggles for finding a safe spot for parking as Disneyland doesn’t allow the staff to sleep in the park. She now lives in a small apartment which is roughly an hour away from the Disneyland.
Ms. L Slaughter earns $19.90 an hour- and credit goes to a minimum wage mandate passed in 2018. (Notably, California has set a minimum wage of $20 per hour, which is double the federal mandate set in US of USD 7.25 per hour. However, many in the union demanded to increase the minimum wage from USD 19.90 per hour to USD 30.48 per hour.)
Ms. L Slaughter further revealed that her rent goes up to $200 and she won’t be able to afford this much.
She further added, “We’re the ones who make the magic. We need Disney to pay us a livable wage”.
A single person would need $30.48 per hour to survive near Disneyland in Orange County, California, which is approximately 30 miles far, according to a living wage calculator designed by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
The employees are demanding an increase in their wages due to high costs of living like rent, fuel prices and inflation etc. They also mentioned that they love the Disneyland and heavily rely on health care services and union- operated food banks, also perks like free park admission of acquaintances.
The Union has lodged complaints under the National Labour Relations Board, and alleged Disney about the unfair labour practices.
Collen Palmer, a 37 year old Disneyland employee and member of union said, “It makes me wonder, why you don’t recognize me?? Because I’m making you that money.”
She highlighted the fact that there is significant pay disparity between the park workers and top executives and expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for the workers, who are responsible creating for the magical experience for guests.
Palmer further added that in 2023, Disney CEO Bob Iger received a package of $31.6 million, which is way less than other hourly wages employees.
Disney’s Response
’We respect and value our cast members and recognise the important role they plan in creating happiness for our guests’’, a spokesperson from Disney said.
Disney spokesperson also said it is committed to make negotiations since the contract expired in mid-June with its cast members and promised to focus on their needs.
The last strike at Disneyland happened in 1984, lasted for 22 days. During the strike, approximately 2,000 employees left the job due to proposed wage freezes and elimination of health care services.
