For the first time in the United States, retail workers at a LEGO Store are organizing a union. Employees at the Downtown Disney LEGO Store in Anaheim have announced their intention to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). The store employs over 60 non-managerial workers, known as “brick specialists,” who assist customers, build displays, and manage daily operations.
The workers’ unionization effort aims to ensure fairness and provide a voice in workplace decisions. Hunter Gulino, a brick specialist, stated, “Thousands of our friends and coworkers at Disneyland are already members of a union; we just want the same rights they enjoy.” The workers are seeking a fair process for unionization and have asked both LEGO and Disney to respect their rights to organize.
The union campaign began in March when Gulino contacted UFCW Local 324, which already represents many Disney theme park retail workers. The effort gained momentum following a settlement under Anaheim’s Measure L, which guarantees a living wage for Downtown Disney employees. However, LEGO employees claim they did not receive the same clear information about benefits, such as 401(k) contributions, as Disney employees.
According to KTLA, Melissa Gonzalez, another brick specialist, emphasized the importance of having a voice on the job, saying, “Having a union will help us build a better workplace.”
The unionization effort highlights broader issues, such as scheduling and workplace conditions. Workers have raised concerns about management cutting hours and inadequate air conditioning in the store. The Los Angeles Times reported that Gulino noted, “Our air conditioner hasn’t worked properly in probably five years.”
If LEGO does not voluntarily recognize the union, employees may request the National Labor Relations Board to schedule an election. The outcome could set a precedent for other LEGO stores in the U.S. seeking to unionize.
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