(New York) Thousands of workers at Disney theme parks and resorts in California voted Friday night to authorize a possible strike as contract negotiations drag on.
The strike authorization was overwhelmingly approved, with nearly 99 percent of members voting, according to a union statement. The vote was organized by a coalition of four unions, representing 14,000 Disney ride operators, store clerks, custodians, candy makers, ticket takers, parking attendants and other employees.
Union leaders will now have the option to go on strike if they fail to negotiate a new contract with Disney. Leaders on both sides return to the negotiating table starting Monday.
Union members have been in talks with Disney over pay raises, safety measures, attendance policies and other benefits since April.