News
Disney Cast Members Ratify New Contract
Workers Secure Substantial Pay Increases, Avert Potential Strike
Press Contact: Kara Deniz Phone: (202) 497-6610 Email: kdeniz@teamster.org
(ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Following a credible strike threat, over 6,000 Disney cast members represented by Teamsters Local 495 have ratified a new 3-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract covers Teamsters at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Downtown Disney.
“This contract was won thanks to the strength and solidarity demonstrated by our members,” said Damascus Castellanos, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 495. “These workers held Disney’s feet to the fire and demanded the fair contract all Disney cast members deserve. We are proud to have secured such a strong agreement that will have life-changing impacts for our members and their families.”
The new contract provides Local 495 members with a $6.10 raise over three years and a minimum base wage of $24 per hour. In addition to wage increases, cast members secured fair attendance and sick leave policies, improved seniority rights, and new premium pay.
“All of us made it clear to Disney that we were serious and prepared to withhold our labor if a fair contract was not presented,” said David Hernandez, a monorail operator and Local 495 shop steward. “By standing firm, we secured the pay and working conditions we deserve. The higher wages this contract provides will be game-changing for us.”
Nationwide, the Teamsters represent over 9,000 Disney cast members across both Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida.
“These workers took a stand against corporate greed and held Disney accountable by demanding a fair contract,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “Let this be a lesson to corporate America: no matter how large your company, we will fight, and we will win.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.