SPFPA Disneyland Local 1955 Members are Voting NO & are Questioning the Ratification Vote
- May 2
- 12 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
The 1,600 SPFPA Disneyland Local 1955 members are furious at how the International Union, Security, Police & Fire Professionals of America SPFPA is conducting the SPFPA Local 1955 Disneyland ratification vote and they are questing and urging their fellow Disneyland co-officers to vote NO in a three-day election. Below are some of the screenshots we have been receiving from Disneyland Local 1955 who wish to have their voices heard.
When you ask why we deserve $30 an hour.
The cost of living just isn’t what it was when we made the initial contract and even then it was still high to live in Cali. If a 12pk of soda is $12 at the cheapest market in town and gas is $7 a gal how long do you think we can survive living 40mi away from work doing 80mi round trips daily? I’m an open book of my checks $150 goes to gas a week! There’s been a lot of smart asses in the forum trying to bully people and tell them to take the money and not complain. Those people also live close by don’t spend much don’t live in areas as expensive as some of us and just talk because it’s easy to not consider others and be selfish. VOTE NO.
Can the Board clearly point to the exact rule in the union’s bylaws or constitution that says once a voting method is chosen, it cannot be changed—even if changes would help more members participate?
Can the Board show the specific bylaw language that says absentee ballots are only allowed for elections and not for contract votes?
If voting is only being done in person, how is the Board making sure that members on medical leave, military leave, or who cannot physically attend still have a fair and real chance to vote?
What “guidelines” are being relied on to say no other voting options are allowed, and are those actual written rules or just interpretations?
How does having the negotiation committee—the same group involved in the contract—count the ballots ensure fairness and avoid any conflict of interest?
What exactly can the “neutral witness” do? Do they have the authority to review, question, or verify the vote, or are they only observing?
Finally, can the Board confirm whether all of these positions are based on written rules and official documents, or if they are based on internal interpretations that have not been shared with the membership?
🙏If we’re being asked to vote, we deserve clear, documented answers.
"Personally I cannot vote yes for a 4 year contract and ideally I'd want starting pay to be up to 28. I'm ok with most everything else in it (that we were able to view) but I'm voting no to be able to go back to negotiating for a chance at changing those things I don't like about it. You may have other reasons, but what counts is that we get enough members to participate for it to even matter. If you have concerns you'd like to express to me please reach out and message me."
Disneyland SPFPA Update: Update: I have been informed that “election buddy” wasn’t successful per the international…. I do not believe that. I am just as angry.
On a Twitter post by SPFPA Region 3 Vice President Ryan Kelly, and an Executive Board member of the International Union, Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America
Several things concerned me in voting today.
I already mentioned. No ability to vote no without voting to authorize a strike.
Very unprofessional voting situation. The room was very loud. The volunteers were talking loudly and playing music, laughing, and having a great time, while I was trying to concentrate on the contract.
The volunteers were discussing the reasons that they feel that anyone who disagrees with them on issues within the contract is crazy/stupid.
The volunteers were insulting people who posted on FB about the voting situation.
There was ONE COPY of the contract. So, while I was trying to read and review it, no one else could read it.
There is no correction to the lack of seniority in scheduling. The contract still says that seniority will be considered, but management gets to make all scheduling decisions.
The walk time is essentially taken away. In one place, it says that walk time is only for those who wash their own costumes. In another place, it says that walk time is for returning equipment. In other words, we will no longer be prepared to clock out 20 minutes before our off time.
The wages are as we were told. Essentially a $1.04 raise retro to April 1, 2026 and a $1.04 raise each year for the next 4 years.
TTO Pilot program is in an MOU and not in the Contract proper. Not a huge deal, but interesting. The TTO program says that the managers can suspend any castmember's ability to participate in TTO if they feel the castmember is not using the system as intended. Those terms are not defined, so management can block it in any way they may desire.
This isn't a change to the contract, but something you should know. The contract specifically says that they can take away or change our perks anytime they want to.
Any discipline stays on for 18 months from the date that management finishes their investigation, not from the date of the incident!
This is just brushing the surface of the issues. The contract is bad, but the process is much worse. And, remember, if you don't vote, you have voted for the contract. This is despite the fact that, in my opinion, the Union has deliberately made it more difficult to vote so as to hamper our ability to defeat the contract.
Feel free to PM me for any specific questions you have as I have tried to commit to memory as much of the contract as possible.
Sooo....The board is going to have international executive board vote on this (section 14) if it comes to it? I'm pretty sure I speak for everyone when I say we'd like to get some financial aid. — thinking about finances.
Alex Martinez
Steve Gallegos we dont have a strike fund, did you ask any international member when you voted about why we dont have a fund
Anthony Montero
Alex Martinez I heard it went towards Lightning Lanes and dinner reservations at Be Our Guest
Steve Gallegos
Alex Martinez respectfully Alex, you’re the Treasurer. You tell us. This falls right under your job description.
Matt Kee
Alex Martinez WE also dont have bylaws and WE use Internationals.
WE also are under the international umbrella, which these bylaws dictate.
Matt Kee
Anthony Montero I heard California Grill and stays at Baylake Tower.
Alex Martinez
Anthony Montero No Anthony, but where did you here this or are you just creating lies tbat some members will believe or are you just talking shit
Anthony Montero
Alex Martinez which part is made up? Will you not being paying yourself with our dues while on your Disney World conference? Did the board book at value or deluxe resort when paying with our dues?
Alex Martinez
Anthony Montero no lightning lanes were purchased No be our Guest reservations, where and who did you here that we did?
Alex Martinez
Steve Gallegos no trust fund the million that we have would be gone in two weeks
Kevin M Vazquez
Alex Martinez this type of reply is heart breaking…. I expected more from a person like you… wow…
Anthony Montero
Alex Martinez kind of disturbing that you’re so condescending to the people you are supposed to be representing
Anthony Montero
Alex Martinez you’re in a position of representation that you chose to run for. I’m asking questions about how my dues are being utilized. I don’t think my questions in anyway justified such an unprofessional response. If you don’t like answering questions for the members you represent maybe you should step down.
Alex Martinez
Anthony Montero no Sir, you were stating we were spending money from the members on lightning lanes and be our guest restaurant... Who and where did you hear this because you didn't answer my question. Members who dont know ow any better will believe your post and spread it around. But if you can't take it don't dish it out
Kevin M Vazquez
Alex Martinez I see why we had have that emergency vote now. I’d hate to miss deluxe stay on someone else’s dime.
Kevin M Vazquez
Alex Martinez disappointed with who we put in power if this is how easily they let their emotions take control.
Alex Martinez
Kevin M Vazquez why didn't you run for a position
Kevin M Vazquez
Alex Martinez because unfortunately I trusted people like you to be leaders.
Anthony Montero
Alex Martinez why did you run if you cannot professionally address your members?
Matt Kee
Alex Martinez can you confirm whether you mean our local does not have a strike fund (pretty sure local doesn't) or you're saying international doesn't / has said they won't open the one that's stated in the bylaws to us?
Jesse Silva
lol good luck getting a positive reply on this one.
Christine A Palacios
So then that article is made up? Because if we keep hearing there's no funds...then why is there an article with that information?
Matt Kee
Christine A Palacios because the local board, or at least Alex, is taking "WE" to mean only local and not the umbrella of International we're covered by.
That or they don't know the bylaws /shrug.
Bilal Siddiqui
I mean if you are spending over 40k on A/V “electronic voting” infrastructure, and I am sure other miscellaneous sure there won’t be any funds available
Brothers and Sisters, there is no doubt that many of you are mad, nervous, upset and worried upon many other emotions —rightfully say! I’m not here to say “stuff your emotions in the sack and keep working,” NA NA! Even though we see outside Security Teams training to be ready for and if/when a strike or picketing event happens, keep in mind, the biggest thing TWDC taught us is SHOW.
THIS (everything we are seeing on the daily) is LOTS and LOTS of SHOW to distract us, to scare us, to worry us and to get us rallied up, and maybe even cave in…don’t let any of this distract you from VOTING NO today (the last day)….REMEMBER, it two to tango! We learned SHOW from them! And we can SHOW them right back! We need to not cave in; WE deserve MORE! So enough is enough, take a deep breath and if any of you are worried or want to vent to me—the inbox is open!
- Your Favorite Non-Official Union Member but Your Union DJ, Mike
Cesar Bustos
10 years ago, the president of Workers United Local 50 convinced several Disney Unions to be part of a coalition. This is for them to share bargaining strategies and other pertinent information with each other. He informed me when the Security Union was independent (before SPFPA) it was part of this group. Is there a reason we are not part of this anymore? Local 50 also has a research center, which is a resource for all Labor Unions, that is available. Do we work with them? Also, I’m sure Gabriel San Roman of the L.A. Times and TimesOC might be interested in our upcoming STRIKE. He covers Labor Union issues for that publication. Shall I, or someone from the existing board reach out?
Matthew Matthew
I don’t think anyone from the board/international would want to reach out and have the union be publicly scrutinized for this. Especially since they are recommending we ratify.
I say go for it!
Amp Lewis
Once you've argued enough, pointed out enough, once you've identified and confirmed B.S. enough, you wont even half way care. When you've been wronged enough, mislead enough and lied too enough, your not gonna give a poop! 🤣 That'll kick in around ur 7-8 years in. 🤣 Imma check yes and no and stick in that bootleg ass box!
I am wanting to inform you that your proposed contract is terrible still: AWFUL and the International should be ashamed of themselves! Brenda Alfaro former President
It's crazy that this post is being withheld from our Union members. Why has it been so long for this post to be approved? The SPFPA is lying to us
We just received several text messages from SPFPA Local 1955 members at Disneyland calling for a NLRB decertification election from the International Union,
Security Officers: You ARE a Valuable Asset to the Company. Should Pay Reflect This?
The Company's value is approximately $181.76 billion, generating about $414,000 per employee (marketwatch.com. Type in DIS symbol, scroll down, and see).
As security, we regularly deal with high risks/ hazards that most jobs, let alone other departments don't have.
This includes, but is not limited to dealing with weapons such as guns, knives, blunt weapons; irate and abusive Guests; Responding to calls for public disturbance, domestic violence, physical fights, suicide or attempts, intoxication (drugs or alcohol or both), lost or stolen property, accidents (personal, vehicle, mishap); emergency medical response, transients (including mentally disturbed and or under-the-influence persons, with or without weapons); lewd conduct, assisting/ temporary care and protection of lost children; Guests use of controlled substances (drugs/ alcohol) outside of screening; Guests hiding alcohol, narcotics or weapons outside of screening, placing Cast, Guests, including children at risk if such weapons or controlled substances are not discovered by Security.
Then security takes the risk of recovery: Handling weapons, alcohol, and unknown drug substances including potentially life-threatening dangerous narcotic grains and powders.
Security enforces Company Policies which risks unknown blow-back. Security issues/ escorts trespassed Guests off Property; while working in an environment where we are among the top leading targets of terrorism. Security is on the front lines, and first to be subject to such hostile threat risks. These are just a few examples of daily security risks.
We are not law-enforcement, but almost all of these issues are addressed daily by law-enforcement. Law enforcement receives significantly more pay for these work-place hazards.
Addressing and accepting these hazards is currently worth about 8% (about $2.08) extra pay?
How many millions of dollars does the Company potentially save from security preventing or successfully de-escalating these risk instances? How many potential lawsuits has security prevented or reduced Company risk by taking care of security issues before something bad happens, not to mention costs of averse international press reports?
Security also helps provide the Company with an affirmative (legal) defense. Security provides written reports, effectively defending/ providing written testimony to help protect the Company from legal actions conducted by Guests or by other Casts. What is that worth?
Security performs these duties effectively defenseless, and have little tools other than words and a smile to address them. There should be hazard pay. Would suggest $30-35/ hr. is more appropriate at a minimum at this time. This would be BELOW the approximate fifty-percent percent (50%) increases of the last two contracts which would make the current Contract at about $39.00/ hour.
The Parks are expanding.
This will increase demands of Security to address theses and other unknown issues. The move has been to cut security positions and now receive substandard pay?
Does that make sense?
Next, we need to address the actual cost of living in California.
Gas prices are always the highest in this state, more than any other state by up to 70% or so depending on location; and this is without any Mid-East war. Most Cast Members commute to work which increases their daily cost and unpaid time.
Basics, such as rents, food, taxes, etc., all are expensive in this state, more than any other. This needs to be factored into “location pay” (State of California), as well as said hazard risks into the Contract.
Does the Company really have no money?
Disney Experiences alone generated $10 billion in revenue for Q1 of 2026 (a RECORD). None of this would have been possible without the officers performing safety and security, so Guests can have the experience the Company wants to give them.
Security puts up with all these said hazards and abuse, and by listening to hundreds of officers over the years, the feedback I hear is security officers are made to feel they have little to no value in the Company. Security needs to be just compensated for these issues and risks.
This is not a complaint post, but rather pointing out what security actually does; and how that results in better Guest and Property safety; better Guest experiences; and all of which helps the Company generate revenue in part by security trying to create a safe environment.
Security officers ARE a valuable asset to the Company.
We are part of a team doing our best with the resources we have. Hope to see a positive resolution that addresses these concerns.
Thank you for reading.
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