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California Disney Characters Are Unionizing Decades After Florida Peers. Hollywood Plays A Role

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8 months ago

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California Disney Characters
California Disney Characters: Image AP

ORLANDO, Florida. Throughout his three-year tenure as a parade performer at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California, Zach Elefante has consistently held additional employment to supplement his income.

In contrast to the experiences of his colleagues at Disney’s parks in Orlando, Florida, where there is a limited number of skilled individuals available, the actors who portray Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and other cherished Disney characters in the California parks do not always receive a regular and predictable work schedule from the firm.

That is one of the reasons why Californian artists are currently organizing to form a union, more than forty years after their Florida counterparts did the same.

According to the California performers, Disney requires character performers to have open availability but does not always provide them with set work hours as a result.

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AP – VOR News Image

California Disney Characters Are Unionizing Decades After Florida Peers. Hollywood Plays A Role

“Many performers believe that if they do not make themselves fully available, they will not be cast in shows…” “This will have a ripple effect on other occupations that are necessary for our livelihood in this region,” stated Elefante, a resident of Santa Ana, California.

In recent weeks, the California character performers, along with the Actors’ Equity Association union representing them, announced that they have submitted a formal request for union certification.

In this instance, a different union is carrying out the organizing efforts, and they are happening at a different time. Consequently, it is expected that the California character and parade performers will likely not encounter the same level of animosity that the Disney actors in Florida have had with their union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The relationship between the performers that bring enchantment to the Magic Kingdom and the Teamsters, a union originally established for transportation and warehouse employees with strong connections to organized crime until the late 1980s, has been tumultuous during the past forty years in Florida.

What is the reason for the California character performers organizing now, several decades after their Florida counterparts? In contrast to Florida, where being a character actor is typically a full-time occupation, many character performers in Southern California have many other engagements, frequently in Hollywood films and television.

Elefante entertains audiences at Universal Studios Hollywood and also serves as a tour guide for the movie studios. Chase Thomas not only performs in the “Fantasmic!” show at Disneyland but also holds the position of director of operations for a theatrical festival. Before this, he worked as a visual effects coordinator and an entertainment licensing agent.

Angela Nichols relocated to California to pursue a career as a television writer. In addition to her role as an entertainment presenter at Disneyland, she frequently engages in writing activities. At Disneyland, she supports the character performers by assisting them during customer interactions.

“Disney truly serves as a fundamental and essential element of the narratives that shape our cultural upbringing.” “The ability to observe individuals fully engaged in these narratives and experience them firsthand is enchanting,” Nichols stated. When we receive support as cast members and performers, we are able to achieve that.” Currently, we are not adequately prepared for success in the necessary manner.

Amidst the COVID-19 epidemic and recent actors’ and writers’ strikes, the character performers sought a more reliable schedule at Disneyland following its yearlong hiatus due to the pandemic. The pandemic has heightened their awareness of health and safety issues, such as embracing guests or maintaining hygienic costumes.

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PBS – VOR News Image

California Disney Characters Are Unionizing Decades After Florida Peers. Hollywood Plays A Role

The majority of the workforce at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California, which exceeds 35,000 employees, were already part of a labor union. The parades and character department members were included in this group.

“Many cast members aspire to pursue this as a full-time career and succeed,” Thomas stated.

In contrast to their colleagues in Florida, the character actors in California are being organized by a specialized union dedicated to entertainers. Officials of the Actors’ Equity Association possess a deep understanding of the distinctive requirements of theme park performers, which may be challenging for other labor unions to comprehend.

Before a new stage show, it is necessary to conduct tests on the shoes of the costumes to ensure that the actors do not encounter any accidents, such as tripping or slipping while on stage. Union representatives ensure that “face performers,” with visible faces, such as Cinderella, have appropriate cosmetics and verify the availability of ice packs for procession dancers to alleviate knee soreness.

The persistent issue of unclean costumes was a primary motivation for Florida artists to seek organization with the Teamsters in the early 1980s. Additional factors comprised of children striking Disney antagonists, such as Captain Hook in the lower legs and adults reaching for the chests of actors portraying Mickey Mouse to ascertain the gender of the individual within.

Ensuring the cleanliness of costumes was of utmost importance to the character performers in Florida. Over twenty years ago, the Teamsters effectively negotiated a contract language that designated specific underwear for each performer. The performers allowed these undergarments to be taken home for washing purposes. This measure was implemented after instances of pubic lice and scabies were transmitted through the shared clothing.

disney

LA Times – VOR News Image

California Disney Characters Are Unionizing Decades After Florida Peers. Hollywood Plays A Role

In Florida, there has always been a conflict of cultures between the costumed character entertainers and the conventional leaders of the Teamsters Union, who represent truck drivers and warehouse workers. The drivers frequently regarded the performers as individuals leading enchanted existences, remunerated for adorning themselves in costumes on a daily basis, as if it were Halloween.

Tensions reached their climax in the late 2010s when a new leader of the local Teamsters unit in Orlando started singling out the costumed character performers for abuse. The character actors resisted, and the conflict escalated to James Hoffa, the then-leader of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who intervened.

Elefante in California is optimistic that union representation will provide artists with a platform to influence decisions regarding many matters, such as the oversized costumes that can lead to long-term injuries if not properly fitted, as well as the safety protocols for performing in parades during rainy weather.

“It is about having the opportunity to participate in the discussion and be included in the decision-making process from the standpoint of the performers,” Elefante stated.

SOURCE – (AP)

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Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics. Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

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Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists

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1 day ago

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2024-12-21

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Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog Merchandise are hot Christmas Items

Sonic the Hedgehog is dominating Christmas wish lists this year. The lovable blue hedgehog is back in the spotlight, from sonic the hedgehog toys and games to sonic the hedgehog coloring pages and movie hype.

Sonic-themed holiday merchandise is on fire, from quirky sweaters to action figures flying off shelves. Sonic the Hedgehog Christmas outfits for kids are selling out fast, making them a go-to gift option for festive fun.

Retailers have been quick to recognize Sonic’s holiday appeal. Special promotions and exclusive items, like the Sonic holiday t-shirts, are everywhere.

Everyone’s stocking up on Sonic merchandise, from big-box stores to boutique retailers.

Online shopping platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Sonic items. Whether it’s Sonic Christmas-themed tops or Sonic the Hedgehog coloring pages, Sonic the Hedgehog toys or Sonic and the Hedgehog 3, the demand is skyrocketing.

Retailers who tap into this trend are sure to see strong holiday sales.

Sonic has been around since the early 90s, but his popularity never wanes. With the release of Sonic 3, fans are more excited than ever.

sonic the hedgehog 4

Sonic the Hedgehog 4

Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is preparing “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the newest addition in the family-friendly genre set for a spring 2027 release.

The announcement comes as “Sonic 3” opens in theatres on Friday, estimated to gross $55 million to $60 million from 3,800 North American locations.

The sequel is shaping up to be a good holiday season blockbuster for Paramount, which explains the desire in future “Sonic” adventures. On the international front, the film will be released on Christmas Day in 52 markets.

On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave “Sonic 3” an outstanding 87% fresh score.

The first two films grossed a total of $725.2 million at the global box office and generated over $180 million in global consumer expenditure through home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.

They also inspired a spinoff Paramount+ series, “Knuckles,” which premiered earlier this year.

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Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union 10,000 Walkout

Published

2 days ago

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2024-12-20

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Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union
Teamsters members were demonstrating at "hundreds" of other Amazon locations.

An Amazon strike has hit facilities in the United States in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the corporation for a labour agreement during a peak shopping season.

The Teamsters union told the Associated Press that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the United States walked off the job on Thursday after the firm failed to discuss a labour contract.

According to the union, Amazon employees in Teamsters union jackets were protesting at “hundreds” of additional Amazon facilities, which the union billed as the “largest strike” in US history involving the company.

The corporation, which employs over 800,000 people in its US delivery network, stated that its services will be unaffected.

It was unclear how many people, including members of Germany’s United Services Union, participated in Thursday’s demonstration. The Teamsters union reported that thousands of Amazon employees were implicated in the United States.

Amazon Strike at 10 Locations

Overall, the group claims to represent “nearly 10,000” Amazon strikers, having signed up thousands of people at roughly ten locations across the country, many of whom have joined in recent months.

The organization has claimed recognition from Amazon going on strike, claiming the firm illegally neglected its obligation to bargain collectively over salary and working conditions.

The Teamsters is a long-standing US union with nearly one million members. It is well-known for securing lucrative contracts for its members at companies like delivery behemoth UPS.

Most of the Teamsters’ Amazon campaigns have concerned drivers working for third-party delivery companies that partner with the tech behemoth.

Amazon denies that it is liable as an employer in those circumstances, which is a point of legal contention. In at least one case, labour officials have taken a preliminary stance in favour of the union.

Stalled Contract Negotiations

Amazon employees at a major warehouse on Staten Island in New York have also chosen to join the Teamsters. Their warehouse is the only Amazon facility in the United States where labour officials have formally recognized a union win.

However, the Amazon strike is because contract negotiations have not progressed since the 2022 vote. It was not one of the areas scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.

Amazon, one of the largest employers in the United States, has long received criticism for its working conditions and has been the target of activists seeking to gain traction among its employees.

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Business

Amazon Encounters Numerous Strikes As Unions Aim At The Holiday Shopping Surge.

Published

3 days ago

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2024-12-19

By

Amazon

(VOR News) – Thousands of Amazon employees at various sites across the country were scheduled to go on strike on Thursday in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the retail behemoth to acknowledge its unionised workers in the United States.

The walkout is expected to concentrate on seven Amazon locations across the country during the holiday purchasing surge and may be the most significant union action against Amazon in the nation’s history.

The business announced on Thursday morning that there had been no effect on operations. It also stated that it is “continuing to concentrate on fulfilling customers’ holiday orders.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters maintains that it represents more than 10,000 Amazon employees and contractors in aviation centres, warehouses, and delivery centres.

Amazon has refused to acknowledge the union for many years.

The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, excludes contractors and part-timers. A strike has been initiated by delivery couriers and warehouse employees at seven distinct locations in order to exert pressure on the company to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that would encompass modifications to compensation, amenities, and working conditions.

Picketing was intended for New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois.

Also, the Teamsters assert that they are establishing picket lines at “hundreds” of additional warehouses and delivery centres by encouraging non-unionized workers to picket under U.S. labour law, which protects workers’ ability to take collective action to further their interests.

“Amazon workers are exercising their power,” Randy Korgan stated to NPR.

“They now realise there is a pathway to take on a corporate giant like this – and that they hold the power.” Amazon responds by accusing the Teamsters of fabricating information regarding the strikes, asserting that the participants are “entirely” outsiders rather than employees or subcontractors of the corporation.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that “the reality is that they were unable to secure sufficient support from our employees and partners and have invited external parties to harass and intimidate our team.” For more than a year, the Teamsters have been intentionally misleading the public by claiming to represent “thousands of employees and drivers.” They do not.

The Teamsters did not provide a specific duration for the strike; however, they informed NPR that it would extend beyond one day. Workers would receive $1,000 per week in strike money, as per the union.

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien issued a statement in which he stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute it to Amazon’s insatiable greed.” We established a firm deadline for Amazon to attend the meeting and treat our members equitably. They disregarded it.

The Teamsters granted until December 15 to convene with its unionised employees and develop a collective bargaining agreement.

Amazon has opposed all unionisation efforts in court, asserting that unions were not advantageous to its employees and emphasising the compensation and benefits that the organisation currently provides.

Amazon has been accused of discriminatory labour practices on numerous occasions, including the termination of labour organisers. Furthermore, it has disputed its official status as a contract employer.

Teamsters organize Amazon delivery couriers and other employees.

In June, Amazon established its first unionised warehouse in Staten Island, New York, two years after making history by voting to join the fledgling Amazon Labour Union, which is also affiliated with the Teamsters.

The union is one of the most influential in the United States and Canada, with 1.3 million members. On Thursday, the German United Services Union declared that Amazon employees in Germany would participate in a strike in conjunction with their American counterparts.

In the past, Amazon has experienced demonstrations in Germany and Spain that were related to the holiday season in order to advocate for improved wages and working conditions.

“The holiday season has arrived.” Delivery is anticipated. Patricia Campos-Medina, the executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, asserts that “this is the moment in which workers have control over the supply chain.”

The Teamsters have reported that Amazon’s profits have increased both during and after the pandemic. The corporation is currently valued at over $2.3 trillion, with net income of $15 billion in the most recent quarter alone. It is the second-largest private employer in the United States, following Walmart.

SOURCE: NPR

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