Disneyland workers have expressed that they are living in cars and motels due to their low pay

Cynthia “Cyn” Carranza meticulously searched for a shaded parking spot in the car she called home. As an overnight custodian at Disneyland, she struggled to sleep during the day—a challenge amplified by living in her car with her two dogs. Despite earning $20.65 an hour (approximately £15.99) at the park, Carranza found herself unable to afford rent in Southern California, where the average apartment costs more than $2,000 (£1,550) per month.

Reflecting on the hardships of the previous summer, Carranza became emotional, recounting the difficulties, including sneaking showers in Disneyland’s costume department. While she now shares a modest apartment with her boyfriend, who also works at the park, Carranza still struggles to make ends meet. “That’s not something that anybody should experience working a full-time job for a company like Disney,” she shared with the BBC.

Carranza’s story echoes the financial struggles voiced by many Disneyland employees, who depict a stark contrast to the park’s image as the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Approximately 10,000 union workers at Disneyland—the flagship park among 12 worldwide—are on the verge of striking due to wages and alleged anti-union practices.

Recently, hundreds of workers protested outside the park, brandishing signs and pins depicting Mickey Mouse’s gloved fist in defiance. “Mickey would want fair pay,” they chanted near Disneyland’s gates, underscoring their demands for better working conditions.

While the strike vote does not immediately signal imminent action, it grants unions leverage in ongoing negotiations with Disney management. The current contract for Disneyland’s cast members, which includes everyone from characters and ride operators to sales and janitorial staff, expired in June.

Union representatives highlight troubling statistics: about one in ten Disneyland employees have experienced homelessness, while a majority struggle to cover basic expenses each month. A survey revealed that 73% of employees do not earn enough to meet their needs, with approximately a third experiencing housing insecurity in the past year alone.

L Slaughter, a host at the park’s Toontown area, shared her own experience of living in her car for two years while working at Disneyland. She now resides in a small apartment an hour away but faces increasing rent costs that strain her budget. Despite earning $19.90 an hour, mandated by a local wage hike, Slaughter insists it remains insufficient to sustain herself in Southern California.

Workers like Carranza and Slaughter underscore their dedication to Disney’s brand while advocating for fair compensation and better treatment. They cite generous healthcare benefits and a union-operated food bank as crucial supports but stress that these are not substitutes for livable wages.

In response to worker grievances, Disney reaffirmed its commitment to negotiations and expressed respect for its “cast members.” However, discontent among employees persists, fueled by allegations of unfair labor practices and disparities in pay between executives and frontline workers.

The prospect of a strike looms large, reminiscent of Disneyland’s last strike in 1984, which lasted 22 days. For Carranza, who performs physically demanding tasks nightly, including cleaning and floor repairs, the prospect of enduring such hardships again is daunting.

Her lowest point came last summer while living in her car, a period she credits her dogs with helping her survive. Despite now having a small studio apartment, Carranza continues to live paycheck-to-paycheck, often relying on meager meals of rice or noodles to get by.

While economic demands are at the forefront, the decision to authorize a strike was also prompted by allegations of disciplinary actions against workers advocating for union rights within the park. As negotiations resume, the future remains uncertain for Disneyland’s workforce, who await resolution on issues critical to their livelihoods and well-being.