OC Register
Disney security workers are getting an $8-an-hour raise in their new contract.
They got an initial $6-an-hour raise on April 1, and the rest will be phased in over the next 24 months.
The Happiest Place on Earth just got a little happier for more than 1,300 Disneyland security workers.
The theme park’s “security cast members” — including security officers, lead officers, sergeants, bag checkers and canine handlers — have secured a wage increase of nearly $8 an hour to be phased in over the next two years.
The workers, represented by the Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America, got a $6 hourly raise effective April 1. It will be followed by a $1-an-hour hike April 1, 2024, and another $1 hourly raise on April 1, 2025. Combined, the raises will boost their minimum wage to $26 an hour from $18.10 hourly.
“We are more than pleased with the wage increase we were able to negotiate,” said David Hickey, SPFPA’s international president.
Disneyland officials issued a one-sentence statement saying they are “glad to have reached an agreement with the union.”
Businesses across the board are having trouble filling all of their openings, Hickey said, so they’re willing to pay more to retain and attract workers.
“The attitude about coming to work has changed, and it has forced companies to pay more,” he said. “We have negotiations coming up at Disneyworld in Florida. They’re looking to have a major wage increase there, too.”
The Disneyland workers were previously represented by the Independent Employees Service Association, but that union recently merged with SPFPA to become SPFPA Local 1955 with a new executive board.
They voted in October 2021 to affiliate with SPFPA but had to finish the remainder of their IESA labor contract before making the transition.
Hickey said the union also plans to smooth out scheduling for the workers, which can be erratic at times due to a variety of factors.
“With COVID-19, companies have had difficulty scheduling enough people when some employees don’t or can’t come to work” he said. “Our union will work with Disneyland to have more input in scheduling. Our history with Disney around the country will help us deal with issues that may arise.”
SPFPA Local 1955 is also updating the grievance process for security workers at the Anaheim theme park.
“They’ve already had two training seminars on this,” Hickey said. “We’re showing the old IESA members how our grievance procedures work because the old way wasn’t necessarily the way we do that at Disney World.”
SPFPA represents more than 27,000 security police professionals across the U.S. and Canada. Its members also provide security services for the Department of Defense and NASA, among other contracts.
International Union, SPFPA Local 1955 (2023) Bargaining Committee:
Top Row: (Left to Right) Rick O’Quinn, Robert Hernandez, Candice Williams, Ryan Kelly
Bottom Row: (Left to Right) LC Ayala, Janet Lorea, Dave Hickey, Brenda Alfaro, Dru Johnson, Alex Martinez, Patrick Lemos
SPFPA International President Dave Hickey and Disney Parks and Resorts Director Labor Relations Christie Sutherland sign the first SPFPA Local 1955 contract.
ONE UNION-ONE PRIDE! Congratulations to our SPFPA Disneyland Security members for their successful negotiations. Over 1300 Officers received a 43.65% wage increase over the next 24 months. On April 1st, those Officers will receive a 33.6% (over $6/hr) wage increase, which is the highest wage package ever negotiated for Disneyland Security. There are also positive changes in scheduling and the grievance procedure. Special recognition to our Negotiation Team and to Brothers Rick and Ryan for a job well done!
SPFPA International President Dave Hickey and Region 3 Vice President Ryan Kelly stand with our Local 1955 Members. “It is the best contract ever.”
SPFPA Region 3 Vice President Ryan Kelly administers the installation ceremony and pledge of commitment to our Local 1955 Disneyland Board Officers and Members. A solid step forward as ONE UNION, ONE PRIDE!
Don Eagle was unanimously elected to his first term as International Financial Secretary-Treasurer.
Regional Vice President, Rick O’Quinn was elected to the office of International Vice President At Large.
Congratulations to the following members on their new positions.
Dwayne B. Phillips
National Organizing Director
Maria Gamon
Western Organizing Director
Devin Snowden
Asst. Region 2 Director
Gloria Scott
Asst. Region 4 Director
Brenda Peters
Local 55
Tanya Gonzalez
Local 129
Colin Gray
Local 300
Phillip Snead
Local 580
Akua Auwae
Local 652
Toni Carter
Local 825
Dwayne B. Phillips
National Organizing Director
Laurie Typinski
Local 60
Cory Jones
Local 131
Pamela Dorsey
Local 440
Patty Jellison
Local 603
Luis Jimenez
Local 725
Bill Asper
Local 1111
Luis Gonzales
Local 100
Joshua Christie
Local 168
Bryan Goodkowsky
Local 499
Anthony Burgos
Local 603
Nuno B. Marques
Local 825
Delfreda Jones
Local 1212
Devin Snowden
Local 115
Mary Brown
Local 237
Eric Smoquina
Local 545
Joey Leach
Local 603
Jose Muro Jr
Local 825
Dennis Lang
Local 2121
Ron Marshall
Local 119
Elroy Coleman
Local 247
Nicholas Cole
Local 551
Rodney Kim
Local 650
Christopher Gross
Local 825
Maria Gamon
Western Organizing Director
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