Disney workers take to the streets to demand raises and benefits

Anaheim, CA – On Saturday, August 15, 300 Disney workers took to the streets in front of D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center to demand a fair contract from Disney. D23 is Disney’s official fan club that started in 2009.

On Saturday the fan club was hosting an event called The Ultimate Fan Event, where fan club members get exclusive insights into Disney’s upcoming movies, with first looks at trailers and access to exclusive merch. The event also features panels with celebrities, creators and executives. 

The workers holding the action are hotel and restaurant workers who are represented by Unite HERE Local 11 and have been fighting for a contract since February. The workers say they have grown tired of Disney’s mistreatment.

Ines Guzman, a Disney hotel worker, stated, “We are fighting for a good workload. The workload is so heavy for us at Disney, we have people getting injured because it’s so bad.” Guzman also said “It’s hard for us to get breaks, because for me, I’m a lead, so I have to cover half a tower, and have to cover 55 rooms. So, we can’t take breaks because how would we cover that. We work at a fast pace and we can get hurt.” Guzman continued, “The Injuries are lower back, shoulders, arms and knees.” 

During the event, workers took to the streets and shouted “What do we want? Contract! When do we want it? Now!” The workers marched the streets in front of Disneyland, with drums and megaphone-amplified voices ringing through the streets, to let them know they are not going away. The workers are demanding that Disney respond and listen to them. Recently, in negotiations, Disney made a counteroffer that the workers were not happy with and voted to refuse.

Bonnie Gutierrez, a cashier and barista at the Coffee House, stated, “To receive their counteroffer was hurtful, it was a slap in the face.” Gutierrez continued, “We were expecting a little bit more from a company that has the means. It was offensive.” 

Gutierrez also went into what they want to see in a contract, “We’re wanting Disney to give us a fair wage. We are looking for this upcoming contract to include better health benefits and a pension. Also really just to keep up with inflation. Some of us commute a long way. Myself, I come from Riverside to work, and with the price of gas and food going up its hard.”

Despite the long fight and Disney’s refusal to meet their demands, the workers’ spirits are still high, with many being motivated to keep going so they can support their families and themselves. Austin Linch, a Local 11 leader stated, “The workers are furious, then they see Disney is going to throw a party to celebrate their brand, and the workers are outraged that Disney is going to tout themselves as the good guy and purveyor of magic. When we know the workers are the ones who provide that.”

Throughout the action, the picket line was loud and the workers’ anger showed. They show no signs of slowing down, and say they will keep fighting until they get a decent contract. The workers are fed up and angry with Disney, with many getting injured and their working conditions being poor. They say they will not stop until they are treated with respect and get the compensation they deserve.

#AnaheimCA #CA #Labor #Disney