Overview
- The union-scheduled demonstration is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, at the northwest corner of Harbor Boulevard and West Katella Avenue in Anaheim and is open to public supporters.
- About 1,700 character and parade workers organized as Magic United under Actors’ Equity and have been negotiating their first contract with Disney since early 2024, logging more than 50 bargaining days without an agreement.
- Magic United says the dispute centers on wages, paid parental leave, paid time off, retirement contributions and workplace protections and alleges Disney’s recent proposal removed paid parental leave, cut a paid holiday, reduced the 401(k) match and included zero percent wage increases.
- Disney points to a company-reported 4% wage increase for participating employees earlier in 2026 and says talks are ongoing with the next bargaining sessions scheduled for October 27–28; neither side has announced any strike or entertainment cancellations.
- The first contract will set terms for visible roles such as character meet-and-greets and parades, so a breakdown in talks could create staffing risks for holiday entertainment and change pay and benefits for performers who work long hours in costume and on parade crews.