Actors' Equity Orlando Approves New Contract for Actors Working at Walt Disney World

Actors' Equity Association announced today that its members have approved a new five-year contract for actors working at Walt Disney World.

An overwhelming 97 percent of members who voted supported the new contract, following the unanimous recommendation of Equity's Eastern Regional Board.

Key provisions of the agreement include a 14 percent wage increase on returning salaries over the life of the contract and increases to the minimum salaries. Members will also have significantly expanded work opportunities through the use of the Chorus contract and earlier access to vacation benefits along with expanded paid sick leave.

"A strong contract led to a strong vote of approval from Equity's members," said Mary McColl, Executive Director of Actors' Equity. "I want to thank all the staff and members who worked on the negotiating team. This contract is the latest at Equity that will ensure better wages and more work opportunities for our talented members."

The agreement with Disney is the latest in a series of contracts that deliver significant gains for Equity members. This summer Equity reached a historic new five-year contract with the League of Resident Theaters (LORT). That contract included substantial salary increases and more Principal and Chorus contracts for members, as well as additional stage manager contracts. And in the fall of 2016 Equity reached a five-year agreement with significant wage increases for theaters represented by the Off-Broadway League and smaller Off-Broadway theaters, previously known as ANTC.

Actors' Equity Association, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity endeavors to advance the careers of its Members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits (health and pension included). Member: AFL-CIO, FIA. #EquityWorks.