Twenty-three trade unions, in partnership 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 following the Cedar Fair and Six Flags merger.
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, safe working environments, and adequate staffing levels for all employees. By uniting unions that represent tens of thousands of workers across various sectors, UniteKnotts seeks to ensure comprehensive representation and advocacy. Additional details about the coalition's objectives and efforts are available at https://UniteKnotts.com.
This organizing drive highlights broader labor movement trends in the amusement and hospitality industries, where low wages and corporate consolidation have sparked increased unionization efforts. The outcome could influence labor practices at other theme parks and large entertainment venues nationwide. The formation of the UniteKnotts Coalition represents a significant escalation in labor organizing within the theme park sector, which has historically seen fragmented union representation. The coalition's strategy of uniting multiple unions under a single banner is designed to create a more powerful collective bargaining force capable of negotiating with a large corporate entity.
The focus on Knott's Berry Farm is particularly symbolic given its origins as a family farm and its transformation into part of a major corporate amusement park chain. Workers cite the high cost of living in Orange County as a primary driver for the campaign, arguing that current wages do not align with the area's economic realities. The coalition's demands extend beyond wages to include concerns about workplace safety protocols and understaffing, which employees say affects both worker well-being and guest experience.
This effort comes amid increased labor activism across the service and entertainment industries, with workers at other major parks and hospitality venues also seeking improved conditions through collective action. The success or failure of the UniteKnotts campaign could set a precedent for labor relations in the rapidly consolidating amusement park industry, potentially affecting thousands of workers at similar venues across the United States.
