It is no secret that Walt Disney World Resort is one of the largest private employers in the state of Florida. Disney is also one of the largest employers in the state of California. It is estimated that Disney employs more than 150,000 people in the United States. However, the US isn’t the only place Disney has theme parks. Reports indicate that there are almost 70,000 people who work for Disney at its foreign theme parks. In addition to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, Guests can also visit Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disney, Tokyo Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris.
While Disneyland and Walt Disney World are incredibly successful Parks, other Resorts struggle to be as successful. This year, Disneyland Paris reported a record profit of $51 million. Disneyland Paris had one of its most successful years since it opened in 1992, welcoming more Guests than ever before. Unfortunately, not everyone is celebrating.
Since May 12, Disneyland Paris Cast Members have been striking, demanding higher wages and better benefits. At first, the protests were small, but did cause several parades and nighttime events to be canceled. However, the striking workers have since grown in number and now, massive protests are taking place in the Parks. Guests visiting Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park have encountered Guests carrying posters and flags and, literally, storming Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Cast Members are asking Disney to increase their pay by just over $200 per month. They would also like better bonus tiers and a higher hourly wage for those Cast Members who work on Sundays. So far, no progress has been made in negotiating with Disney. Disneyland President Natacha Rafalski has said that Disney will not negotiate with the Cast Members until their contracts are up in August.
In early June, Cast Members held a formally organized strike in the Parks. Since no progress has been made, another strike is being organized. According to DLP Report, the strike will take place on July 19.
Disneyland Paris Cast Members and Unions have decided to go on a new strike Monday June 19. Expect entertainment cancellations, demonstrations and disruptions to general operations.
⚠️ Disneyland Paris Cast Members and Unions have decided to go on a new strike Monday June 19. Expect entertainment cancellations, demonstrations and disruptions to general operations. pic.twitter.com/wUp4K84ah0
— DLP Report (@DLPReport) June 13, 2023
Disneyland Paris has been struggling with how to deal with the strike in terms of the Guest experience. The Resort has been reaching out to Guests who are scheduled to visit the Parks, letting them know that it may be best to reschedule their vacation. Guests have also been seen booing the striking Cast Members, as they appear to be upset about how the strike is affecting their Park experience.
