Disneyland performers file petition to form labor union

abcnews.go.com:

Workers who help bring Disneyland’s beloved characters to life have filed a petition to form a labor union

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Performers who help bring Disney's beloved characters to life at its Southern California theme parks filed a petition Wednesday to form a labor union.

The workers include parade performers, character actors and support staff at Disneyland and an adjacent theme park, Disney California Adventure. More than two-thirds of roughly 1,700 eligible workers signed the petition to seek an election through the National Labor Relations Board, the workers said, noting that a vote will likely be held in May or June,

At a news conference in Anaheim, which is home to the two theme parks and the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment district, workers said they also asked The Walt Disney Co. to recognize the union they are calling “Magic United.”

Several workers said they love helping create a magical experience for Disneyland visitors. But they said they grew concerned when they were asked to resume hugging patrons after returning to work during the coronavirus pandemic and they face certain challenges, including injuries from costumes, erratic scheduling and a lack of clear communication from management.

Mai Vo, a 37-year-old performer who has worked for Disney for two decades, said she wore black contact lenses as part of a costume and that they stained her eyes gray. She also was paid less for that job than someone who played a similar role but who was in a union, she said.

“I love my job, but I know that we all deserve better,” Vo said. “I am confident that by standing together, we will be strong and be able to advocate for positive change.”

Most of the more than 35,000 workers at the Disneyland Resort,