Magic United, an affiliate of Actors’ Equity representing 1,700 parade, show, and character cast members at Disneyland, is negotiating a first contract with Disney. The process is reportedly challenging, both sides have conveyed to Fox News Digital.
Traditionally, Disneyland’s employees have been unionized for many years, but the characters and parades department was not organized until a 2024 vote propelled unionization. This move came amid California’s surging cost of living following the pandemic, prompting contract talks between the new union and Disney.
As negotiations focus on the first union contract, there is disagreement over Disney’s proposals. Disney insists it’s outlining initial employment terms rather than canceling existing union benefits. On the other hand, the union argues workers have access to benefits like paid parental leave, and removing them in the contract would effectively mean losing these perks.
The Los Angeles Times noted that while there is progress on health and safety issues, disagreements persist over matters like company matching of 401(k) contributions and restrictions on shift swapping.
A spokesperson for Disneyland’s union highlighted recent union formation after the COVID-19 pandemic. The spokesperson expressed concern that Disneyland is not fulfilling its mission of being ‘the ultimate family-friendly destination’ for cast members in character roles.
The union claims Disney’s proposals could eliminate paid parental leave for these workers and offered no wage increase in the contract’s first year despite prevalent inflation. Disneyland, located in Orange County, California, is considered among the priciest places to reside in the United States.
Further claims by a union representative stated that Disney aims to reduce paid parental leave, decrease paid holidays, diminish 401(k) contributions, and complicate the process of shift swapping for character and parade workers.
Al Vincent Jr., Actors’ Equity’s executive director, criticized Disney’s plans in a Los Angeles Times report, emphasizing that removing paid parental leave is not a family-friendly approach.
Disneyland Resort spokesperson Jessica Jakary defended Disney’s position to Fox News Digital, stressing the resort values its cast members, provides competitive benefits, and has a strong history of union collaboration.
Disney remains committed to negotiations with Magic United, aiming to clarify confusion regarding comparisons with Walt Disney World in Florida, where state disability payments for parental leave differ from California’s offerings.
Disney assured Fox News Digital that its proposal does not inhibit shift trading, merely setting limits on unapproved giveaways. The company also stated wage increases are built into the agreement period, with ongoing annual increases delivered to the bargaining unit, noting a 4% increase for cast members as of December 2025.
The negotiation efforts continue in California, known for its high living expenses compared to other U.S. states.
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