Disney Throws Striking Cast Members the Ultimate “Office Pizza Party” Instead of Listening to Demands

For nearly two months, the typically-pristine curtain over Disneyland Paris has been lifted. With ongoing Cast Member strikes disrupting scheduled performances, blockading Guests out of the Park, and even clashing with security, Guests have seen Disney in a new light.

Anyone who’s set foot in a Disney Park knows the Cast Members are the heartbeat of Disney. They’re not just theme Park employees. Disney workers take on personas of Guests’ favorite characters and go the extra mile to deliver unmatched magic. That’s why the first canceled parade raised eyebrows when Disneyland Cast Members staged a walkout, but with weeks of unmet demands, it’s not as shocking that their actions have escalated.

Support from (Almost) Everywhere

Empowered by Paris Unions, Cast Members have been orchestrating strikes to demand USD 215 per month, higher wages for working on Sundays, and better overall working conditions. Although the Disney higher-ups knew to expect each strike before descending on the Disney Parks, they pretended they weren’t happening.

By the fifth organized strike on June 19, DLP Report (@DLPReport on Twitter) documented Disney’s move on the chess board:

So much private security around the demonstrations that it looks like the security staff is on strike 

So much private security around the demonstrations that it looks like the security staff is on strike 😆 pic.twitter.com/Rsi9TTTzch

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) June 19, 2023

The bolstered security was likely a result of June 4’s aggressive altercation between Cast Members and security as they went head-to-head in the Parks. However, none of the other strike actions have boiled over to that extent. While the demonstrations have suspended Park performances like “Dream… and Shine Brighter” and “Stars on Parade,” Guests have supported the Cast Members with signs, handshakes, and chants.

On Twitter, @DLPReport shared an unlikely Disney employee who joined in on the support:

When the Disneyland Railroad joins in

When the Disneyland Railroad joins in 😅🔈 pic.twitter.com/i0CYirYwhh

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) June 19, 2023

While even Disneyland trains are chugging along with the striking Cast Members, Disneyland Paris president Natacha Rafalski has stood firmly against accommodating them—save for an attempt this morning.

A Corporate Bind

It took nearly a month for Disneyland Paris president Natacha Rafalski to address the striking Cast Members publicly, only to assert that negotiations for their demands would be tabled until their scheduled review in August.

Earlier in June, the National Union of Autonomous Trade Unions (UNSA) had a virtual meeting with Rafalski, hoping to make headway on compromises between Disney and the Cast Members. The UNSA Facebook page said the meeting was a “trainwreck.” While it’s clear Rafalski won’t budge on higher pay, she’s willing to give the Cast Members a Zen consolation prize.

On Twitter, @DLPReport shared the Park’s first attempt at mitigating Cast Member tensions with office pizza party energy:

Forget the strikes, this morning Disneyland Paris invited Cast Members to do a bit of Yoga on Central Plaza.

Forget the strikes, this morning Disneyland Paris invited Cast Members to do a bit of Yoga on Central Plaza. pic.twitter.com/5DYylAnqyH

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) June 21, 2023

It appears the execs are hoping to replace the heated scene of Cast Members striking near Sleeping Beauty Castle with Cast Members doing sun salutations. While it’s uncertain whether the particular Disneyland workers who have been striking will participate in the yoga session, recent events indicate it will take a lot more than that to quell the protests.

Although the Paris UNSA hasn’t given word of any new protests yet, Disney Fanatic will continue to provide updates.