Cast Members from Disneyland Resort’s characters and parades departments are considering joining the Actors’ Equity Association union. This unionization effort would include a total of 1,700 Cast Members.
Dubbed “Magic United,” this collective initiative aims to organize the interests of Cast Members within the Disneyland Resort. With union authorization cards being circulated among the workforce, the group seeks voluntary recognition from Disney Resort Entertainment if a majority of Cast Members agree to unionization.
If Disney decides not to acknowledge the union, and if the appropriate portion of the workforce (usually 30%) agrees to organize, then the Actors’ Equity Association will likely file the authorization cards with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). After that, the NLRB will facilitate a union recognition election. Once the union is approved, it will legally require Disney to engage in negotiations with the union’s representatives to establish a contractual agreement.
The potential bargaining unit comprises a diverse range of roles, including Characters, Hosts, Trainers, and Leads.
Actors’ Equity Association already represents Cast Members at Walt Disney World, on Broadway, and on touring productions.
Most Disneyland Cast Members, aside from Character and Parade performers, are already part of unions.
What impact do you think the potential unionization of Disneyland Character and Parade Cast Members will have?