Theme parks are an essential part of California’s hospitality industry, attracting millions of visitors to the state. These parks also employ thousands of people, from ride operators and performers to food service workers and maintenance staff. They also provide a boost to nearby hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that cater to these visitors.
But like any occupation, there are certain challenges that come with being a theme park worker in California. Aside from the physical demands and long hours that come with many of these jobs, theme park workers also face violations of their legal rights.
Free Consultations For California Theme Park Workers
If you are a theme park worker in California, understanding your rights and options is crucial to being able to hold your employer accountable. At Maison Law, our team of experienced California employment lawyers can help you navigate any legal issues and make sure you get the treatment you deserve under the law. To learn more about your rights and options, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Employment in California Theme Parks
California is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world, from Disneyland to Universal Studios. Even in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, California’s theme parks have been a boon to the state’s economy, providing millions of dollars in revenue from patrons and numerous employment opportunities for workers in a variety of different jobs. Employment in California theme parks is a significant part of the state’s economy, providing job opportunities for thousands of people. The types of jobs that theme parks provide can vary widely, from entry-level positions to more highly-skilled roles, including:
- Ride operators – Ride operators are responsible for ensuring the safety of guests on rides. They operate the rides, load and unload passengers, and provide instructions to riders.
- Food service workers – Food service workers are responsible for preparing and serving food to guests. They may work in restaurants, concession stands, or food carts.
- Performers – Performers entertain guests with shows, parades, and other performances. They may be singers, dancers, actors, or acrobats. These workers are typically contractors, which can present unique challenges.
- Maintenance workers – Maintenance workers are responsible for keeping the theme park running smoothly. They may repair rides, maintain buildings and landscaping, or perform other tasks as needed.
- Guest services – Guest services workers are responsible for assisting guests with questions and concerns. They may provide information about the park, help guests plan their visit, or assist with lost items or other issues.
- Retail workers – Retail workers work in gift shops and other retail locations within the theme park. They may assist customers with purchases, stock shelves, and maintain inventory.
No matter what job you have at a California theme park, you are generally protected by the state’s labor laws. These are some of the most extensive and strongest in the country, but it still doesn’t always stop your employer from taking measures that violate these rights.
How Do California Theme Parks Violate The Rights of Their Workers?
Because California theme parks employ a diverse range of people across a variety of different types of jobs, there is ample opportunity for workplace rights violations in them. Part of this process involves understanding the law and how theme parks can violate them. While every employment situation is somewhat unique, there are common violations that theme park workers need to watch out for, such as:
- Wage and hour violations – Some California theme parks have been accused of wage and hour violations, including failing to pay workers for all hours worked, denying or making workers work through meal and rest breaks and misclassifying workers as independent contractors.
- Discrimination and harassment – Every employer in California, including theme parks, is required to prevent instances of discrimination and harassment in the workplace. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects theme park workers from unfair or unequal treatment or harassment based on “protected characteristics” like race, gender, age, and disability.
- Unsafe working conditions – Although they can be fun and exciting workplaces, theme parks also have a variety of hazards, like dangerous machinery, hazardous materials, and extreme temperatures. Theme park workers frequently come across situations where they have inadequate safety equipment or training, which can lead to injuries or illnesses.
- Retaliation – California has various laws that prohibit retaliation in the workplace, which frequently happens to theme park workers who speak out about unlawful or illegal workplace conduct. Workplace retaliation can include being fired, demoted, or harassed for engaging in these activities, and can foster a culture of fear and prevent workers from reporting workplace violations.
- Breach of contract – Certain theme park workers in California can encounter breach of contract issues in the workplace, especially if they are contracted performers or entertainers. In the context of theme park workers, a breach of contract could occur if the park fails to fulfill its obligations under the employment contract. This can include failing to pay wages or changing their duties without proper notice.
What Steps Should California Theme Park Workers Take For Workplace Rights Violations?
As a theme park worker in California, not only do you have the protection of the law on your side, you also have options to take action against your employer. While there is no legal requirement that says you need to have a lawyer to take this action, the guidance and support an experienced California employment lawyer can provide is crucial.
In terms of the process, workplace rights violations can sometimes be complex and challenging. That said, there are several steps that you should take should you believe your employer is violating your rights in the workplace. These include:
- Document the violation – Documenting any violations of your workplace rights is often the first step in the process. This includes taking down the date and time of the incident, the names of any witnesses, and any relevant details. This documentation can be useful if you decide to file a complaint or pursue further legal action.
- Report the violation – Another critical step in the process is reporting the violation to your supervisor or human resources department as soon as possible. If your employer is unable or unwilling to resolve the issue, you can file an administrative complaint with one of California’s state agencies responsible for enforcing the particular law that is being violated.
Legal Options
- Filing a lawsuit – Your most prominent legal option is filing a lawsuit against your employer. This step does require the services of a lawyer, which can help you navigate the process from start to finish. A civil lawsuit allows you to make a claim for damages, which include lost wages, emotional distress, and other compensation for the harm done by your employer’s violation of your rights. Additionally, if multiple workers have experienced the same or similar violations, you may be able to pursue a class-action lawsuit.
Filing a lawsuit can be intimidating, especially if you still work at the theme park. Still, by taking steps to protect yourself and your coworkers by taking legal action, you can help ensure that you are all treated fairly and with respect in the workplace.
California Theme Park Workers Can Put Their Trust in Maison Law
Working in a theme park in California can be an exciting, enjoyable experience. However, it can sometimes be difficult and challenging, especially if you’re rights are being violated. At Maison Law, our experienced team of California employment lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of workers and ensuring that they receive fair treatment under the law.
We understand the unique challenges that theme park workers face and will work tirelessly to ensure that your legal rights are protected. Don’t face the situation alone. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us put our expertise to work for you.
