Disneyland California To Open, Some Workers Protest

JAKARTA - A number of workers at Disneyland California Resort took action from their cars regarding the reopening of the playground, Saturday, June 27. They refused because the company had not agreed to protect workers against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company planned to open a theme park on July 17, but the date was postponed indefinitely. Disney said it will set an opening date this week, after the state issues health protocol guidelines for playgrounds.

At Saturday's action, about 200 cars formed a caravan outside the resort. They are on behalf of the Resort Trade Union Coalition which is made up of 11 unions representing 17,000 Disneyland workers.

The union asked companies to commit to providing workplace coronavirus tests.

"When Disney does reopen, we want the situation to work as safely as possible for workers, guests and for working families," said Maria Hernandez, a union member who attended the rally.

Disney said in a statement it said it had reached an agreement with workers during the pandemic, including increasing wages, providing face shields for guests and workers, and reducing the capacity of playgrounds.

In a letter to the union earlier this week, a Disney representative said existing COVID-19 testing was not recommended by US health authorities. Instead, health officials recommend focusing on physical distancing, facial covering, hand washing and sanitation.

Disney started closing its theme parks in January as the coronavirus spread. Meanwhile, Disneyland in Hong Kong and Shanghai has opened some time ago.