Wall Street Journal: Disneyland Performers Push to Unionize, Protesting Pay, Costume Injuries and ‘the Dungeon’

Mickey, Goofy and their friends at Disneyland are planning to join a union.

Hundreds of Disneyland employees who perform in parades, high-five visitors and pose for photos while dressed as famous Disney characters—from Darth Vader to Princess Jasmine—have backed the creation of a new unit of the Actors’ Equity Association, a union that primarily represents theater actors and stage managers. 

The unionizing workers say hourly wages are too low, benefits are limited and there are scant opportunities for advancement. Others complain of unsanitary working conditions, unchecked harassment by park guests, costume-related injuries and a lack of scheduling flexibility.

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