Disney Agrees to $233 Million Settlement for Disneyland Workers for Minimum Wage and Living Wage Violations
On September 17, 2025, a California judge approved a landmark $233 million class action settlement between Walt Disney Co. and more than 51,000 Disneyland employees. The workers alleged that Disney failed to pay them the legally required living wage under Anaheim’s Measure L, a voter-approved local law passed in 2018 that requires certain businesses receiving city subsidies or tax rebates to pay workers a higher minimum wage. Judge William Claster of the Orange County Superior Court granted final approval of the settlement, calling it fair, reasonable, adequate, and consistent with public policy.
The case is Grace et al. v. Walt Disney Co. et al., California Superior Court, Orange County, No. 30-2019-01116850.
Under Measure L, the required wage rate was significantly higher than California’s statewide minimum. Disneyland workers argued that Disney benefited from city subsidies and therefore should have paid them at the Measure L rate because of its financial arrangements with the City of Anaheim. For Disneyland employees, the difference between Measure L’s wage standards and the statewide minimum amounted to a significant shortfall in pay over time.
Workers joined together in a class action, arguing that Disney systematically underpaid tens of thousands of employees by failing to meet Measure L’s wage requirements. After years of litigation, the $233 million settlement ensures that current and former Disneyland employees will finally recover compensation for these alleged violations.
This case highlights the importance of California’s wage and hour laws, along with local wage protections, and demonstrates how corporations can be held accountable when they fail to comply with labor laws. Even the largest companies like Disney must follow the law. For workers, the settlement also demonstrates the power of collective action: by joining together in a class action, employees can hold their employer accountable and recover wages that might otherwise have gone unpaid.
For California employees, this case illustrates the kinds of violations that can give rise to wage claims. Unpaid minimum wage, failure to pay a local living wage, denial of meal and rest breaks, unpaid overtime, and inaccurate wage statements are all potential claims under California law. Workers should not assume that their employer is following every rule. If something looks wrong on a paycheck, it may be worth asking questions.
If you believe your employer is failing to pay you all wages owed, whether that means minimum wage, overtime, premiums for missed meal and/or rest breaks, or living wage requirements, you may have a legal claim. Like the Disneyland employees who stood together, you don’t have to face your employer alone. An experienced California employer lawyer can help you understand your rights and options.
Our firm represents workers across California in wage and hour lawsuits, class actions, and employment disputes. If you suspect your employer is violating wage laws, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
