NEWS: The Walt Disney Company Agrees to “Historic” Pay Raise for Cast Members

Disneyland Cast Members have been engaged in a lengthy contract discussion with The Walt Disney Company. While the union representing these Cast Members was prepared to strike if necessary, it seems that a strike was avoided following a four-month fight.

©Disney

The Walt Disney Company reached an agreement with Cast Members, resulting in a historic victory for the Disney Workers Rising union.

As we reported on July 20th, Disneyland Cast Members voted to authorize a strike amid contract negotiations with The Walt Disney Company. If the union was unable to negotiate a new contract with Disney, a strike would likely have happened. The Disney Workers Rising represents a large portion of Disneyland Cast Members, including Disney ride operators, merchandise employees, parking attendants, and more.

Toontown

On July 24th, the Disney Workers Rising released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that read, “Tentative Agreement Reached on our Disney Contracts. We have fought hard for the past four months and this tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we showed this past week with our rally and Unfair Labor Practice vote.”

Breaking Alert: Tentative Agreement Reached on our Disney Contracts
We have fought hard for the past four months and this tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we showed this past week with our rally and Unfair Labor Practice vote. pic.twitter.com/mA3fsBPljM

— DisneyWorkersRising (@disneyrising24) July 24, 2024

The details of the deal were not released to the public right away, but a few days later, The Orange County Register reported that union members voted to accept a “historic” pay raise thanks to a new contract with a 31% pay raise over the next three years.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland officials stated, “We are pleased that our Cast Members approved the new agreements, which, along with all we offer as part of our employment experience, demonstrate how much we value and respect them and our profound commitment to their overall well-being.”

Disneyland

Disneyland Workers Rising thanked its members for voting and said, “This victory is a direct result of us showcasing our power at the bargaining table and in the parks.”

Because of our solidarity and commitment to fighting for the contract we all deserve, our historic new contracts include:
A three-year contract!
The biggest wage increases ever! Most cast members will be receiving $6.10 over three years!

— DisneyWorkersRising (@disneyrising24) July 30, 2024

The new contract provides the “biggest wage increases ever” for Disneyland Cast Members, and promises to raise hourly pay by over $6 over three years. Pay will increase from $19.90 to $24 in 2024 and $26 in 2026, according to The Orange County Register. Additionally, Cast Members with 10 years of service will get a 50-cent pay increase and 20-year veterans will get a $2 increase.