Disneyland unions reach tentative contract agreement averting strike

Disneyland unions and Disney negotiators have reached a tentative contract agreement seeking higher pay for ride operators, store clerks, ticket takers and other workers that narrowly avoided a strike at the Anaheim theme park.

Master Services Council, which represents 14,000 Disneyland employees from four unions, announced on Wednesday, July 24 its union bargaining committee will recommend the agreement to Disneyland cast members, Disney parlance for workers.

“Cast members have fought hard for the past four months and this tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we all showed throughout this process and the unwavering support from guests and community members,” Disneyland Workers Rising said in a statement.

Disneyland cast members represented by Master Services Council will vote on the tentative agreement on Monday, July 29 from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on site at Disneyland, the unions announced on Twitter.

“We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation,” according to Disneyland officials.

ALSO SEE: 10 FAQs about what happens if Disneyland workers go on strike

The three-year contract includes a significant wage increase and seniority premiums while also addressing attendance policy, the unions announced on Twitter.

Union members voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike ahead of a bargaining meeting with Disney negotiators on Monday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 23.

The union coalition — which has been negotiating with Disney over a new contract since April — represents ride operators, store clerks, custodians, candy makers, ticket takers, parking attendants, tram drivers and other cast members.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland will keep Deadpool G-rated in Avengers Campus

The Disneyland contract covering approximately 9,000 employees expired June 16. The Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney contracts covering approximately 5,000 employees expire on September 30.