Revolutionary Salary Boost Obtained by Thousands of Disney Cast Members, Dozens of Strikes Abolished

Thousands of Disney cast members are about to see a wage increase unlike anything the House of Mouse has seen before, setting forth a historical time for the most magical place on earth.

A diverse group of Disney cast members, mostly young adults, are standing closely together, smiling, and looking ahead. They are all wearing teal uniforms with badges. Some are holding hands, creating a sense of unity and celebration. The background shows more people in similar attire. — Credit: Disney

Disney Cast Members To See Historic Pay Raise, First Time for House of Mouse

On July 29, four labor unions representing 14,000 Disneyland workers successfully negotiated a new three-year contract with Disney, marking a significant victory for the employees.

The agreement, celebrated by Disney Workers Rising bargaining committee member Ellie Gonzalez, includes “historic wage increases” and “longevity pay that recognizes our years of service to Disney and the critical role we play in making it one of the most profitable companies in the world.” These Disney theme parks in California are about to have 14,000 happy cast members with these historic perks.

The new contract secures the most significant wage increases ever for Disney’s Anaheim employees, raising the minimum base wage to $24 per hour and adding $6.10 per hour in raises over the next three years. Additionally, the contract provides updated sick leave and attendance policies, ensuring cast members can take necessary time off without fear of retribution.

The coalition of unions represents workers across Disney’s Anaheim properties, including Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, the Downtown Disney District, and Disney’s three onsite hotels.

These unions—Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 83, SEIU-United Service Workers West (SEIU-USWW), Teamsters Local 495, and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324—comprise cast members in essential roles such as custodians, parking attendants, ticket takers, and ride operators.

A person in a Mickey Mouse costume stands smiling and waving in front of a Disney castle at a theme park. On the right, there's an image of the words "LABOR UNION" in bold letters on a cracked and worn surface. — Credit: Inside The Magic

The successful contract negotiation underscores the indispensable contributions of these workers, who ensure the smooth operation and safety of the parks. The contract agreement follows a decisive unity among the unions, with 99 percent of members voting to authorize a strike.

This action came after the contract for 9,000 Disneyland employees expired in June, with an additional 5,000 employees at Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney facing contract expirations in September.

The new agreement not only averts a potential strike but also secures significant gains for the workforce, reinforcing their crucial role within the company. The recent approval of a new three-year contract for Disneyland workers marks an important milestone for the 14,000 cast members of four labor unions.

The contract introduces substantial wage increases, with base wages rising to $24 per hour and an overall increase of $6.10 per hour over the next three years.

This unprecedented rise acknowledges these workers’ crucial role in Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, the Downtown Disney District, and Disney’s three onsite hotels. The new contract also includes enhanced sick leave and attendance policies, ensuring cast members can perform their duties without fearing retribution.

Split image: on the left, a neon sign "union yes" with a checkmark; on the right, Mickey Mouse in a tuxedo in front of Disney's Cinderella Castle at night — Credit: Inside The Magic

For Disneyland and The Walt Disney Company, the wage increase represents a substantial investment in their workforce, bolstering morale and reducing turnover among essential staff. By addressing wage concerns and improving working conditions, Disney hopes to enhance the quality of guest experiences and maintain operational efficiency across its Anaheim properties.

This strategic move comes amid broader efforts by Disney to streamline operations and manage costs, reflecting the company’s commitment to its employees and its reputation as a leading global entertainment provider.

The wage adjustment could also have broader implications for Disney’s labor relations and public image. As other theme parks and entertainment companies observe Disney’s approach to resolving labor disputes and investing in its workforce, they may be pressured to offer competitive wages and better working conditions.

This development highlights the ongoing tension between labor demands and corporate strategies within the entertainment industry, setting a precedent for future negotiations and industry standards.

The new three-year contract for Disneyland cast members promises significant benefits, with base wages increasing to $24 per hour and an overall boost of $6.10 per hour over the contract period.

This historic wage increase recognizes the vital contributions of cast members across Disneyland’s Anaheim properties, enhancing their financial stability and overall working conditions. The agreement also introduces updated sick leave and attendance policies, ensuring workers can perform their duties with greater security and without fear of retribution.