Thousands of Disneyland workers have voted to authorise a strike. 

If the strike goes ahead, 14,000 Disney ride operators, shop workers, sweet makers, ticket takers and parking attendants could walk off the job.

It would be Disneyland’s first strike in 40 years, affecting Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, the Downtown Disney retail district and Disney-owned hotels in California.

The vote was held by a coalition of four unions. Of the members who voted, 99% supported authorising a strike, according to the unions.

The authorisation doesn’t mean a strike will happen immediately, and both sides could reach a deal that averts a walkout.

Union leaders will now have the option to call a strike if they are unable to negotiate a new contract deal with Disney.

They have been in talks with Disney over wage increases, safety measures, attendance policies and other benefits since April.

An internal survey of union members earlier this year revealed 28% of Disneyland cast members reported experiencing food insecurity, 33% reported housing insecurity, and 42% said they had to miss work for medical treatment because they did not have enough sick leave.

The unions said 64% of cast members are spending more than half their monthly pay on rent.

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Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Jessica Good told Sky News’ US partner NBC News that a strike authorisation was “not unusual” during the bargaining process.

Leaders from both sides will return to the bargaining table on Monday.

Ms Good said: “We greatly appreciate the important roles our cast members play in creating memorable experiences for our guests, and we remain committed to reaching an agreement that focuses on what matters most to them while positioning Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation.”

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Disney workers are also taking legal action over alleged unfair labour practices.

The charges, concerning more than 675 workers, are now being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board, an independent agency that enforces labour law.

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