Thousands of Disneyland workers voted to authorize a strike.
If the strike goes ahead, 14,000 disney Amusement operators, store workers, candy makers, ticket checkers and parking attendants could walk off the job.
It would be Disneyland’s first strike in 40 years and would affect Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, the Downtown Disney business district and Disney-owned hotels in California.
The vote was carried out by a coalition of four unions. Of the members who voted, 99% supported authorizing a strike, according to the unions.
The authorization does not mean that a strike will occur immediately and both sides could reach an agreement that avoids a strike.
Union leaders will now have the option to call a strike if they cannot negotiate a new contract with Disney.
They have been in talks with Disney about pay increases, safety measures, attendance policies and other benefits since April.
An internal survey of union members earlier this year revealed that 28% of Disneyland cast members reported experiencing food insecurity, 33% reported housing insecurity, and 42% said they had to miss work to receive medical treatment because they did not have enough sick leave.
Unions said 64% of cast members spend more than half their monthly salary on rent.
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Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Jessica Good told Sky News’ US partner NBC News that a strike authorization was “not unusual” during the negotiation process.
Leaders of both sides will return to the negotiating table on Monday.
Good said: “We greatly appreciate the important role our cast members play in creating memorable experiences for our guests, and we remain committed to reaching an agreement that focuses on what matters most to them while also positioning Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation”.
Disney workers are also taking legal action over alleged unfair labor practices.
The charges, which affect more than 675 workers, are now being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board, an independent agency that enforces labor laws.
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