Hundreds of Disneyland Resort employees took a stand on Wednesday, protesting outside of the renowned California theme parks to demand higher wages and speak out against alleged anti-union practices.
The protest, which included employees from both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park, was organized by the Coalition of Resort Labor Unions. Demonstrators carried signs that read “Disney, do the right thing” and “I deserve a living wage.”
At the heart of the protest is the issue of wages. Disneyland employees, like many other low-wage workers in the United States, are struggling to make ends meet. Despite the fact that Disneyland is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, many employees are struggling to survive on their meager paychecks. The average hourly wage for Disneyland workers is just $13.36, far below the living wage for the Anaheim area.
The protesters are calling on Disneyland to raise their wages to $20 per hour. This is not an unreasonable demand. After all, Disney reported a record $9.41 billion in profits last year and CEO Bob Chapek received a compensation package worth over $14 million. With such staggering profits and executive pay, it is unconscionable that Disneyland employees are living in poverty.
In addition to low wages, protesters are also speaking out against alleged anti-union practices at Disneyland. Employees claim that they are being discouraged from joining unions, and those who do are often met with retaliation from management. This type of behavior is unacceptable and goes against the values of fairness and respect that Disney claims to uphold.
One protester, Mary Smith, has been working at Disneyland for over 10 years and is struggling to make ends meet. She says, “I love my job and I love Disney, but it is not fair that I have to work multiple jobs just to make enough to support my family. I deserve a living wage for the hard work I put in every day.”
The Coalition of Resort Labor Unions is demanding that Disney not only raise wages but also stop their anti-union tactics and allow employees to have a voice in their workplace. They are also calling on Disneyland to end their use of subcontractors who pay even lower wages and provide inadequate benefits.
The protest at Disneyland sends a powerful message to Disney and other corporations that it is time to prioritize the well-being of their employees. It is not just about making profits, but also about treating workers fairly and with dignity.
Disneyland is known as the “happiest place on Earth,” but it is clear that the current state of their employees is far from happy. It is time for Disney to live up to its reputation and do the right thing for their employees.
The protest at Disneyland has garnered national attention, with people from all over the country showing their support for the employees. This is not just a fight for Disneyland workers, but a fight for all low-wage workers who are struggling to make ends meet.
Disneyland has the opportunity to set an example for other corporations by showing that they value and respect their employees. By raising wages and improving working conditions, they can create a happier and more productive workforce.
In the end, this protest is not just about wages and unions, but about the basic human right of being treated with fairness and respect. Disneyland has the power to make a positive change and set a new standard for the treatment of workers in the tourism industry. Let us hope that they make the right choice and do what is best for their employees and their reputation as a beloved brand.