Disneyland Characters Seek to Unionize with Actors Equity
A group of 1,700 characters, parade performers and system of workers who train, support, and stage manage at Disneyland seek to unionize with Actors’ Equity.
Photo: IRFAN KHAN/LOS ANGELES TIMES/GETTY IMAGES
The new group “Magic United” has started circulating union authorization cards and has a goal of voluntary recognition by Disney Resort Entertainment.
If they are not recognized, Equity will then file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board with the goal of being granted an election.
Equity Magic United
According to the Equity Magic United website:
Disneyland Resort Cast Members dedicate ourselves to making the Parks a place where every guest can create lifelong memories. We deserve a union to ensure that Disneyland is a fairer, safer place to work, so it can truly be the happiest place on earth.
The group of Cast Members perform in parades, appear in a variety of character experiences, act as hosts, and also include trainers, facilitators, stage managers, and various support roles.
Magic United
The group wants to unionize to have a stronger, collective voice with an emphasis on Cast Member safety, appropriate compensation, clear and respectful communication, fair scheduling and job security.
When we speak with a collective voice, we can have a clearer, more productive conversation with our employer. With Magic United, we can work together with each other and with Disney leadership to ensure our talents remain central to the Disneyland experience for the millions of guests we interact with each year.
Raya Posing
Actors Equity Union
The American Guild of Variety Artists currently represents performers in specific shows in Disneyland. Magic United would support the other various entertainment roles at the resort.
Actors’ Equity Association has been fighting on behalf of performing artists since 1913 and represents performers at Walt Disney World, Broadway, and across the US.
Disneyland has responded with the following statement:
We believe that our Cast Members deserve to have all the facts and the right to a confidential vote that recognizes their individual choices.
Image: MickeyBlog
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