The Magic of Unionization: California Disney Characters Take Center Stage with Hollywood’s Support

Disney Character Performers in California Stand Up for Fair Scheduling

Disney’s magical kingdom in California is not all fun and games for the performers who bring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Goofy to life. Unlike their Florida counterparts, who have long been represented by a union, California performers have found themselves without a consistent work schedule. This has led to a push for union representation among the California character and parade performers, who are finally taking a stand after more than four decades.

The demand for performers to be available at all times has not always translated into consistent work hours, leaving many feeling uncertain about their future in the entertainment industry. Elefante, a performer based in Santa Ana, California, highlighted the dilemma many face, where the lack of a set schedule impacts their ability to sustain a living in a competitive market like Southern California.

The decision to organize now comes as a result of the unique circumstances facing California performers. Unlike their Florida counterparts, who often perform as characters full-time, many in California juggle multiple gigs in Hollywood movies and TV. Angela Nichols, for example, moved to California to pursue a career as a TV writer while also working as an entertainment host at Disneyland. The union representation aims to address concerns specific to performers, such as unclean costumes and safety issues during performances.

In Florida, the relationship between Disney performers and the Teamsters union has been tumultuous over the years, with clashes arising from the different priorities of the two groups. The California performers hope to avoid a similar fate by partnering with a union dedicated to performers’ rights. This shift reflects a changing landscape in the entertainment industry, where performers are seeking greater agency in decision-making processes that affect their work environment and safety.

The unionization efforts in California mark a significant milestone for character performers in the state, who are determined to have a voice in shaping their working conditions. By coming together to advocate for fair scheduling, performers are not only seeking stability in their careers but also pushing for long-term improvements in costume design and performance safety. As the magic continues to thrive in California’s theme parks, the performers behind the masks are stepping into the spotlight to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.