ANAHEIM, Calif. — Character and parade performers at Disneyland in California are officially unionized.

Federal labor officials announced Wednesday that they’ve certified the results of a three-day election that took place earlier this month in Anaheim.

Actors’ Equity Association will represent roughly 1,700 performers and assistants who help bring Disney’s popular characters to life at its Southern California theme parks. The union already represents theatrical performers at Disney’s Florida parks.

Most of Disneyland’s other workers in California — including cleaning crews, pyrotechnic specialists, and security staff — are already in labor unions.

Parade and character workers who promoted unionizing said they love working at Disneyland to help create a magical experience for visitors but grew concerned about health and safety when they were asked to resume hugging tourists after returning to work during the pandemic. They named their union “Magic United.”

These performers, who often don elaborate costumes and engage closely with guests, raised issues related to working conditions, fair wages, and adequate healthcare provisions. Many cited the physical demands of their roles, including long hours in heavy costumes and the need for regular breaks to prevent heat exhaustion, as key factors in their decision to unionize.

The push for unionization gained momentum as performers sought more say in their working conditions, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted health risks associated with close contact roles. Concerns about consistent enforcement of safety protocols and adequate compensation for the unique challenges of their jobs were central to their campaign.

Disneyland’s management acknowledged the performers' right to unionize and expressed a commitment to working collaboratively with the new union. "We respect the decision of our cast members to join Actors’ Equity Association and will continue to work with them to ensure a safe and enjoyable working environment," a spokesperson for Disneyland said.

The unionization of Disneyland's character and parade performers marks a significant shift in the labor landscape of the entertainment giant. With the inclusion of these performers under the Actors’ Equity Association, there is potential for more robust negotiations regarding pay scales, health benefits, and job security measures.

Union representatives highlighted the importance of this move, stating that it would bring much-needed improvements to the performers’ professional lives. "This is a monumental step for performers at Disneyland. Union representation will provide them with a stronger voice and better protections in their workplace," said a spokesperson for Actors’ Equity Association.

The move also aligns Disneyland’s labor practices more closely with those at its Florida counterpart, where theatrical performers have long been represented by the union. This development is seen as part of a broader trend towards increased unionization within the entertainment and hospitality industries, particularly in roles that involve direct customer interaction and performance.

Supporters of the unionization effort celebrated the certification, viewing it as a victory for worker rights and a step towards more equitable treatment in the workplace. "We are thrilled that our efforts have paid off and that we can now work towards a better working environment for all character and parade performers at Disneyland," said one performer involved in the unionization campaign.

The certification of the union marks the beginning of what is expected to be a detailed negotiation process between Disneyland’s management and the newly formed union. Key topics on the agenda will likely include negotiating fair wages, ensuring proper health and safety standards, and securing comprehensive benefits for the performers.

As Disneyland’s character and parade performers move forward under union representation, the changes are anticipated to bring about significant improvements in their working conditions, further enhancing the overall experience for both the performers and the park's visitors. The union’s formation is a testament to the performers’ dedication to their craft and their commitment to ensuring that their work environment is safe, fair, and supportive.

The decision to unionize also reflects a broader cultural shift towards recognizing the rights and needs of workers in traditionally non-unionized sectors. The success of the unionization drive at Disneyland could inspire similar efforts at other theme parks and entertainment venues across the country, potentially leading to widespread improvements in labor conditions for performers and other employees.

Furthermore, the increased media attention surrounding the unionization of Disneyland's performers has sparked discussions about the importance of fair labor practices in the entertainment industry. Industry experts predict that this could lead to more stringent labor regulations and greater scrutiny of working conditions in other high-profile workplaces.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on the negotiations between Disneyland’s management and the newly formed union. The outcome of these talks will not only impact the lives of the performers at Disneyland but could also set a precedent for labor relations in the entertainment industry as a whole. As the performers gear up for this new chapter in their professional lives, there is a sense of optimism and anticipation about the positive changes that union representation is expected to bring.

The successful unionization campaign at Disneyland also underscores the growing recognition of the vital role that these performers play in creating memorable experiences for visitors. Their dedication to bringing beloved characters to life is a cornerstone of the Disney magic, and securing better working conditions and protections acknowledges the importance of their contributions.

In the broader context of labor movements, the unionization of Disneyland's character and parade performers is part of a larger trend towards improved labor rights and conditions across various industries. As more workers advocate for fair treatment and safe working environments, the ripple effects of these efforts could lead to significant changes in labor policies nationwide.

Overall, the unionization of Disneyland's performers is a landmark achievement that highlights the power of collective action and the ongoing pursuit of justice and fairness in the workplace. As negotiations progress, the performers and their supporters remain hopeful that the positive changes they have fought for will soon become a reality, setting a new standard for labor relations in the entertainment industry and beyond.