23 Unions Form Coalition to Organize Knott's Berry Farm Workers in Historic Labor Effort
Twenty-three trade unions have launched the UniteKnotts Coalition to organize all workers at Knott's Berry Farm, addressing low wages and poor working conditions following the park's corporate acquisition.
Twenty-three trade unions, in collaboration with the Orange County Labor Federation, have established the UniteKnotts Coalition to organize and represent every employee at Knott's Berry Farm. This initiative emerges as the amusement park, originally a family-operated attraction, now functions under an $8 billion corporate entity after the merger between Cedar Fair and Six Flags.
Frontline workers, including ride operators, food service staff, and cashiers, typically earn between $15 and $18 per hour, wages that coalition leaders argue are insufficient for meeting basic living expenses in Southern California. Chris Griswold, President of Teamsters Joint Council 42, emphasized the disparity, stating, "Knott's Berry Farm was built on community and hard work—but today, it's run by a corporate giant that puts profits before people."
The coalition aims to secure fair compensation, improved safety protocols, and adequate staffing levels for all employees. By uniting unions that represent tens of thousands of workers across various sectors, UniteKnotts seeks to provide robust representation and bargaining power. Additional details about the coalition's objectives and efforts are available at https://UniteKnotts.com.
This organizing drive highlights broader labor trends in the entertainment and hospitality industries, where workers increasingly demand better pay and conditions amid corporate consolidation. The outcome could set a precedent for unionization efforts at other theme parks and large-scale attractions nationwide, influencing labor relations and wage standards in the sector.