Disney cast members are getting a $6 raise under new contract
Less than two weeks after voting overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, workers announce they have ratified a “historic” contract.
Thousands of Disney cast members will receive a $6.10 raise over the next three years as part of a newly ratified contract, the unions representing workers announced this week.
The unions said the wage increase is the largest ever, bumping the starting base pay at $24 per hour this year. Many workers will then see their pay climb to $26 per hour by 2026. The contract also includes “historic” longevity increases for senior cast members, improvements to attendance and sick leave policies and “new premiums for cast members.”
The contracts take immediate effect, according to the announcement.
The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 83, SEIU-United Service Workers West, Teamsters Local 495 and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324, represent a combined 14,000 cast members at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disney hotels. The organizations announced the three-year contract Monday.
“By ratifying these contracts, Disney cast members have secured historic raises and policies and protections that reflect their role as magic makers in the Disney parks,” the bargaining committee said in a statement. “For months hard-working cast members have stood together at the bargaining table and in the parks to ensure Disney recognized what they bring to the theme park experience, and these contracts are a concrete and direct result of this tireless work.”
Negotiations between the unions and Disney began on April 24. Cast members filed unfair labor practice charges against the company in June, alleging unlawful discipline, intimidation and union member surveillance.
The unions argued that many workers at “the happiest place on Earth” were anything but happy themselves. The union claimed 28% of workers faced food insecurity. In comparison, 64% spent more than half their income on rent, 33% had experienced housing insecurity within the past year and 42% had to miss work for medical treatment due to insufficient sick leave.
Kat Schuster
Less than two weeks ago, on July 19, after weeks of worker actions, including rallies and handing out buttons to guests, the union announced workers voted overwhelmingly (99%) to authorize a strike. A strike, however, was not necessary to achieve the new contract.
“Together by wearing buttons, attending rallies and telling their stories to the public, cast members fought for a more promising future for themselves, their fellow cast members, and their families,” the bargaining committee said. “These contracts are historic for Disney cast members and we’re pleased cast members’ lives will improve as a result."
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