Walt Disney Co’s Disneyland cast members, known for bringing beloved characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse to life, have recently voted to unionize with the Actors’ Equity Association. This decision, which saw a 79% majority in favor of unionization, highlights the growing trend of organizing within the entertainment industry and large companies in the U.S.
The unionization process, supervised by the National Labor Relations Board, is a significant step towards addressing issues such as safety, fair wages, scheduling, and other workplace benefits for the 1,700 workers at the Anaheim location. The aim is to improve working conditions for employees and enhance the overall experience for park visitors.
This move reflects a broader wave of unionization efforts across various sectors, including the entertainment industry and major companies like Apple, Starbucks, and Amazon. Companies are increasingly facing pressure to improve pay, benefits, and working conditions for their employees.
The successful vote to unionize at Disneyland comes at a time when the entertainment industry is seeing a surge in organizing efforts, with over 11,000 screenwriters represented by the Writers Guild of America. The unionization drive is part of a larger movement to empower workers and advocate for their rights in the workplace.
Investors are closely monitoring these developments, as they could signal potential shifts in operational costs and impact the overall investor outlook. Walt Disney stock has seen a solid performance in the past year, gaining over 12%, and investors can access the stock through various ETFs.
Overall, the unionization vote at Disneyland marks a significant milestone for the cast members and the broader labor movement in the U.S. It underscores the importance of collective organizing in addressing workplace issues and advancing the interests of workers across different industries.
