Disneyland workers overwhelmingly vote to approve strike

Over 14,000 workers at Disney’s theme parks and resort properties in Southern California have voted to authorize a strike due to alleged unfair labor practices during contract negotiations. The unions representing these workers cited economic hardship, including food and housing insecurity, as reasons for the strike. The authorization does not mean an immediate strike will happen, as negotiations are still scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The workers have filed unfair labor practice charges against Disney, which are being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board. Issues include alleged intimidation and surveillance of union members wearing union buttons at work. The unions have highlighted the economic struggles of Disneyland employees, with a report showing that the majority of workers cannot cover basic expenses each month. The union members reported experiencing food insecurity, housing insecurity, and insufficient sick leave. The unions representing the workers include the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Local 83, the Service Employees International Union-United Service Workers West, the Teamsters Local 495, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 324. If a strike does occur, it would be the first at Disneyland in 40 years. Despite the strike authorization, negotiations are ongoing and a deal could still be reached to avert a walkout.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com