Performers at Disneyland, who bring iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy to life, are making moves to join the Actors' Equity Association, a prominent labor union that represents live theatrical performers. This push towards unionization aims to secure better pay, benefits, and working conditions for those who entertain thousands of visitors daily at the "happiest place on earth."

On Tuesday, the Actors' Equity Association announced its intention to request voluntary recognition from Disney Resort Entertainment once a majority of the performers have expressed their support through union authorization cards. Should Disney decline this request, the union plans to escalate the matter by submitting these cards to the National Labor Relations Board.

The process of unionizing is a structured and legally regulated effort that allows workers to form or join a labor union to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. It typically begins with an organizing campaign, where a group of workers or an existing union identifies a workplace or group of employees without union representation. These workers then express their interest in unionizing, often by signing authorization cards indicating their desire for union representation.

If a significant portion of the workforce shows support, usually a majority, the union may request voluntary recognition from the employer. Should the employer refuse, the union can file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold a secret ballot election. If the majority of voting employees favor the union, the NLRB certifies the union as the workers' official bargaining representative, obligating the employer to negotiate in good faith with the union over a collective bargaining agreement. This legal framework ensures that workers have a voice in their workplace and can negotiate collectively for their rights and interests.

This move comes amid a broader trend of labor organizations within the entertainment industry. In November of the previous year, a group of ten animation workers at Walt Disney sought to unionize under the Animation Guild, driven by similar motivations for improved compensation and benefits. Additionally, the entertainment sector, including Disney, faced significant disruptions due to the 118-day strike by SAG-AFTRA last year, with performers advocating for higher wages and safeguards against the industry's burgeoning use of artificial intelligence.

Kate Shindle, president of the Actors' Equity Association, emphasized Disney workers' deep commitment and loyalty to the company and its foundational values. She argued that it is only fair for these workers to expect equitable compensation and a strong commitment to their health and safety from a company that brands itself as "the happiest place on earth."

Should the performers' efforts to unionize succeed, Disney will be legally obligated to engage in negotiations with the representatives from Equity to establish a new contract that addresses the workers' demands. The proposed bargaining unit is set to include a diverse group of employees, from hosts and trainers to other support roles essential to the cast members' performances.

The Actors' Equity Association, with a membership exceeding 51,000 professional actors and stage managers, stands as a testament to the collective power of workers in the theatrical and live performance sectors. As this story unfolds, it highlights the growing momentum among entertainment workers to advocate for their rights and the increasing role of unions in facilitating these discussions.