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Workers in California dressed up as Disney favorites like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Snow White to form a union, the Magic United.
At Disneyland near Los Angeles, there are about 1,700 performers and assistants who help bring the popular characters to life.
Disney They face accusations of not paying them a living wage, even as many face high housing costs and long commutes.
Parade actors and character actors will receive a base wage of $24.15 (£19) an hour, up from $20 (£15.75) in January.
The president of the Actors’ Equity Association, which represents the group, called these workers the “front lines” of the Disneyland guest experience back in early May when the program launched.
“They say Disneyland is where dreams come true, and for those Disney cast members who have worked hard to organize a union, their dream came true today,” Kate Shindle said.
The association and actors will discuss how to improve health and safety, wages, benefits, working conditions and job security.
She added that they will then meet with Walt Disney representatives to negotiate employee preferences and include them in the contract.
Parade workers, who are campaigning to unionize, said they love creating a magical experience at Disneyland but were concerned when they were asked to resume hugging guests during the pandemic.
They said complicated costumes and irregular schedules also took their toll.
Most of the more than 35,000 workers at Disneyland Resort, including cleaning staff, pyrotechnicians and security guards, are unionized.
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It all happened more than 40 years ago when the actors who played Mickey, Goofy and Donald Duck in Florida were organized by a union that traditionally represents transportation workers.
At the time, cast members in Florida complained about dirty costumes and were verbally abused by guests, with some children even kicking Disney villains like Captain Hook in the shins.
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