Negotiations Between Magic United and Disneyland: Ongoing Challenges

An affiliate of Actors’ Equity, Magic United, is currently negotiating its first contract with Disney for Disneyland’s parade, show, and character cast members. There are 1,700 cast members involved, and discussions have not been smooth according to reports received by Fox News Digital.

Historically, most Disneyland employees have been represented by unions for many years. However, the characters and parades department remained nonunion until workers voted to form a union in 2024 amid California’s cost-of-living challenges following the pandemic. This led to negotiations for a new contract.

The primary sticking point is the characterization of Disney’s proposals. Disney claims these negotiations involve setting initial terms, while the union argues that Disney aims to remove existing benefits such as paid parental leave. The absence of these benefits in the initial contract would effectively mean a loss for employees who currently receive them.

“Although the union said it has seen progress concerning health and safety issues, other disputes remain. These include the company’s matching contributions to employee 401(k) retirement plans and a proposal restricting the number of times a worker can give away shifts without approval,” reported the Los Angeles Times.

The union came into existence only recently after the pandemic. It represents Disneyland’s character and parade performers. A union representative has stated that Disneyland’s proposal eliminates paid parental leave and offers a 0% wage increase during the first contract year, despite high inflation rates. This emerges as a key issue in Orange County, California, one of the U.S.’s most expensive areas to live.

The union representative further claimed, “Disneyland wishes to diminish paid parental leave, reduce paid holidays, 401(k) benefits, and complicate shift swapping.”

Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors’ Equity, commented on these negotiations: “When you propose to remove paid parental leave from those who work tirelessly to provide families memorable experiences, that’s not family-friendly.”

Jessica Jakary, a spokesperson for Disneyland Resort, refuted such claims. She stated, “Disneyland Resort values its cast members, offers competitive benefits, and cherishes its history of cooperative relations with the unions representing them.”

Disney is committed to resolving the ongoing negotiations with Magic United. They indicated a misunderstanding in comparing the situation to that at Walt Disney World in Florida, where there is no state support for parental leave akin to California’s.

Additionally, Disney clarified they have not proposed limiting shift trades, but suggested only restricting the number of times a shift can be given away without managerial consent.

Disney mentioned that while no immediate wage increase is offered, ongoing talks have seen annual wage increases for this bargaining unit. They highlighted a 4% pay raise for full-time and part-time cast members by December 2025 as an example.

Disneyland, located in one of the priciest states – California, faces these negotiating challenges within the context of a high cost of living.