Character performers at the Disneyland Resort in California are organizing to be represented by a union, Actors’ Equity Association, more than four decades after their Florida counterparts did so. Unlike in Florida, where performing as a character is often a full-time job, many California performers have multiple other gigs in addition to their Disney roles. The performers are seeking more consistent work hours and support from the company to sustain a living in a high-cost area like Southern California.
The California character performers and the union organizing them recently filed a petition for union recognition, marking a different era and a different union compared to the Florida performers’ history with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The Florida performers experienced challenges with the Teamsters due to a culture clash and historical ties to organized crime within the union. However, the California performers, with a focus on Hollywood gigs and varied work outside of Disney, may be able to avoid some of the negativity that occurred in Florida.
The character performers in California, who often have multiple jobs in addition to their Disney roles, are seeking more support and consistent scheduling from the company. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and recent strikes in the entertainment industry, the performers are pushing for improved work conditions and health and safety measures, such as ensuring clean costumes and maintaining sanitation protocols. Union representation is seen as crucial in addressing these issues and giving the performers a voice in decision-making processes.
Compared to their Florida counterparts, the California character performers are being organized by a union focused on performers, which better understands the unique needs of theme park performers. The union ensures that performers are equipped with appropriate costumes and safety measures for stage performances. Issues such as unclean costumes and inappropriate behavior from guests have been key concerns for the performers, and union representation aims to address these challenges effectively.
The history of Disney character performers in Florida, organized by the Teamsters, was marked by tensions between the performers and traditional union leaders. The Florida performers faced challenges related to unclean costumes, harassment, and clashes between the performers’ roles and the union’s focus on transportation and warehouse workers. In contrast, the California character performers are hoping for a more harmonious relationship with the union and Disney, seeking to improve their work conditions, safety, and overall well-being.
Union representation for the character performers at the Disneyland Resort in California is seen as a way to have a meaningful seat at the table in discussions about their work conditions, costumes, safety, and overall job satisfaction. The performers, who play beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Goofy, are looking for support from the company to ensure their success and sustainability in a competitive entertainment industry. With the union’s assistance, the California performers hope to address long-standing challenges and create a positive working environment for everyone involved.
