Workers at Disney's theme park and resort properties in California have taken a significant step towards a potential strike as contract negotiations continue. The strike authorization, which was approved by nearly 99% of the members who cast votes, was announced by a coalition of four unions representing 14,000 Disney employees.
The union members, including ride operators, store clerks, custodians, candy makers, ticket takers, parking attendants, and others, have been engaged in discussions with Disney since April. The key points of contention in the negotiations include wage increases, safety measures, attendance policies, and other benefits.
With the strike authorization in place, union leaders now have the option to call for a strike if an agreement cannot be reached with Disney. Both sides are scheduled to resume negotiations on Monday, aiming to find common ground and avoid any potential disruptions to the operations of the theme park and resort properties.
The outcome of the strike authorization reflects the unity and determination of the workers to secure favorable terms in their contracts. As the negotiations progress, both the unions and Disney will need to navigate the complexities of balancing the interests of the employees with the operational needs of the company.