Cast members at Disneyland in Anaheim have recently ratified a three-year contract with Disney, marking a significant milestone for the 14,000 employees represented by the Disney Workers Rising coalition. The agreement, which followed a period of negotiations and the authorization of a strike, includes an immediate 20% increase in the base pay for the workers. Union officials announced that the majority of employees will receive a $6.10 raise over the next few years, in addition to a $4.10 instant raise in their minimum base wage under the new contract.

The newly ratified contract comes after a coalition of four unions helped broker the deal between the workers and Disney, averting what could have been the first strike at Disneyland Resort in four decades. Cast members, which encompass various roles such as candy makers, cashiers, custodians, and ride operators, united under Disney Workers Rising to negotiate for better wages and working conditions. Their efforts included wearing buttons, attending rallies, and sharing their stories with the public to advocate for a more promising future for themselves and their families.

The Disney Workers Rising bargaining committee hailed the contracts as historic for Disneyland employees, emphasizing that the pay raises and enhanced policies and protections recognize the cast members' contributions to creating magic in the Disney parks. The negotiations were not without challenges, as cast members faced unfair treatment for wearing union buttons while on duty, leading to a filed unfair labor practice charge. However, the successful ratification of the new contract signifies a positive outcome for the workers and a step towards improved livelihoods for Disneyland cast members.