The UniteKnotts Coalition, comprising twenty-three trade unions and the Orange County Labor Federation, represents a historic organizing effort targeting every employee at Knott's Berry Farm. This initiative emerges as the former family-run attraction now operates under Cedar Fair and Six Flags following their merger, creating an $8 billion corporate enterprise.
Workers at the theme park, including ride operators, food service staff, and cashiers, currently earn between $15 and $18 per hour, wages that coalition leaders describe as insufficient for meeting basic living expenses in Southern California. Chris Griswold, President of Teamsters Joint Council 42, stated that the park's corporate ownership prioritizes profits over people, emphasizing that workers deserve fair compensation, safe staffing levels, and meaningful representation in workplace decisions.
The coalition brings together unions representing tens of thousands of workers across multiple industries, aiming to ensure that all Knott's Berry Farm employees receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and strong union representation. For additional details about the organizing effort, visit UniteKnotts.com.
This organizing drive highlights growing labor mobilization in the amusement and hospitality sectors, where large corporate entities often face scrutiny over wage disparities between executive compensation and frontline worker pay. The outcome could set precedents for labor organizing at other major theme parks and entertainment venues nationwide.
