Workers posing as Disney favorites such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Snow White in California have formed a union: Magic United.
There are approximately 1,700 artists and assistants who help bring popular characters to life at Disneyland near Los Angeles.
disney has faced accusations of not paying them a living wage, even though many face exorbitant housing costs and travel long distances.
Parade performers and character actors earn a base salary of $24.15 (£19) an hour, down from $20 (£15.75) before January.
The president of the Actors’ Equity Association, which will represent the group, called workers the “front line” of the Disneyland guest experience in early May, when the plan was launched.
Photo: AP
“They say Disneyland is where dreams come true and for the Disney cast members who have worked to organize a union, their dream came true today,” said Kate Shindle.
The association and cast members will discuss improvements to health and safety, wages, benefits, working conditions and job security.
He added that they will then meet with Walt Disney representatives to negotiate staff priorities into a contract.
Photo: AP
Parade workers who campaigned for a union said they love creating a magical experience at Disneyland, but grew concerned when they were asked to return to hugging guests during the pandemic.
They said they also suffer injuries due to complex costumes and erratic schedules.
Most of the more than 35,000 workers at the Disneyland resort, including cleaning crews, pyrotechnics specialists and security personnel, are already union members.
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Snow White with some of the seven dwarfs. Photo: Reuters
All of this comes more than 40 years after those who play Mickey, Goofy and Donald Duck in Florida were organized by a union traditionally known for representing transportation workers.
At the time, performers in Florida were complaining about dirty costumes and abuse from guests, including children kicking the shins of Disney villains like Captain Hook.
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