Universal Studios Hollywood Workers Want ICE Out of Park in New Contract

Workers at Universal Studios Hollywood are asking for a ban on ICE in their park. This is part of their new contract talks, with 44% of workers fearing eviction.
By Newsroom | Labor, Entertainment |

Workers at Universal Studios Hollywood are pushing for explicit protections against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity within their next union contract. This demand, spearheaded by UNITE HERE Local 11, centers on ensuring the safety and dignity of employees and park visitors, particularly in light of the upcoming 'Olympic Games', designated as a National Special Security Event (NSSE).

The core of the demand is a public policy banning ICE from park facilities, distinguishing between necessary park security and immigration enforcement, and halting data-sharing practices that could expose immigrant employees to risk.

This push is framed as a matter of human rights and local safety, intersecting with the park's role as an Olympic partner. Union organizers cite concerns about past ICE actions in Los Angeles and the potential for increased federal enforcement during the Games. They are advocating for a clear separation between standard park operations and immigration enforcement activities.

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Beyond the ICE concerns, workers continue to address broader issues like the rising cost of living in Southern California. Reports indicate significant financial struggles among Universal Studios Hollywood employees, with many worrying about eviction and food insecurity. A study involving over 1,300 park workers from two major unions revealed that 44% feared eviction and over half reported skipping meals due to insufficient funds. This has fueled ongoing protests and public awareness campaigns, including workers wearing "poverty wages" buttons.

The labor actions at Universal Studios Hollywood are part of a larger trend of union activity in the entertainment industry. Workers from various unions, including IATSE and UNITE HERE, have engaged in rallies and protests, seeking better wages and working conditions. While some Hollywood crew members have ratified new contracts, negotiations for others, such as Teamsters, are ongoing. Local government initiatives, like proposals to raise minimum wages for theme park and hotel employees in Los Angeles County, are also contributing to the complex labor landscape.

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Background and Broader Context

Universal Studios Hollywood is currently navigating these demands amid significant labor unrest across the entertainment sector. The park's designation as an official partner for the Olympics has amplified scrutiny on its labor practices, linking the resort's "global prestige" with "local safety" and employee welfare.

Workers are drawing parallels between the potential federal security measures surrounding the Olympics and existing sanctuary state laws in California, which limit local law enforcement cooperation with ICE. The union's objective is to establish clear boundaries, preventing what they describe as the "federalization of park security" and ensuring that necessary safety measures do not become tools for immigration surveillance.

Past union activity at Universal Studios Hollywood includes rallies and participation in broader labor solidarity movements, highlighting a consistent effort to improve employment conditions. The involvement of UNITE HERE Local 11 and IATSE Local B-192 signifies a coordinated approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by park employees. These challenges range from financial precarity, as documented by the UCLA Labor Center, to concerns about immigration enforcement impacting the workforce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do Universal Studios Hollywood workers want ICE banned from the park?
Workers want to ensure their safety and dignity, and that of visitors. They are worried about immigration enforcement, especially with the upcoming Olympic Games being a special security event.
Q: What specific things are the workers asking for in their contract regarding ICE?
They want a clear rule that bans ICE from park buildings. They also want to make sure park security is for the park only, not for immigration checks, and that no employee information is shared with ICE.
Q: How does the upcoming Olympic Games affect these demands?
The Olympic Games are a National Special Security Event. This means more security and possible federal activity, which worries the workers about increased ICE presence and enforcement at the park.
Q: Are there other issues besides ICE that the workers are concerned about?
Yes, many workers are struggling with the high cost of living in Southern California. A study showed 44% of workers fear eviction and over half skip meals because they don't have enough money.
Q: What is the union's goal with these contract demands?
The union, UNITE HERE Local 11, wants to create clear rules. They want to stop immigration enforcement from happening inside the park and ensure that safety measures are not used for surveillance.