Disney reaches tentative agreement with Southern California unions

Walt Disney reached a tentative labor agreement with unions representing 14,000 employees in Southern California, ending the threat of a walkout.

Workers will vote on the new agreement on July 29, the members' bargaining group said in a statement Wednesday. Details of the contract will be released publicly after members have had the chance to review the terms, the group said.

Read more: Giving birth, then back to work: Building better parental leave policies

The three-year deal includes "significant wage increases" for all covered employees, seniority increases and the retention of premiums, the unions told Variety. The contract also addresses issues "that will make the attendance policy work better for cast members," they said.

The deal is with the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers Local 83, the SEIU-United Service Workers West, Teamsters Local 495 and the United Food & Commercial Workers Local 324. They represent employees at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the Disney hotels, from custodians and ride operators to candy makers and merchandise clerks.

Read more: Why unions are becoming increasingly popular among hourly workers

"We care deeply about the well being of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement," Disney said in a statement. The deal "addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation." 

The parties entered into talks in April, with discussions focused on wages and work rules. The old contract expired on June 16.