THOUSANDS of workers at Disney’s theme park in California voted late on Friday to authorise a potential strike, as contract negotiations drag on over wages, sick leave and other benefits.

The strike authorisation was approved by an overwhelming margin — nearly 99 per cent of votes cast — according to a union statement.

The election was held by a coalition of four unions representing 14,000 Disney ride operators, store clerks, custodians, candy makers, ticket takers, parking attendants and other employees.

The vote does not mean a strike will happen, only that union leaders now have the option to call a strike in the event that they are unable to negotiate a new contract deal with Disney. Leaders from both sides are set to begin talks tomorrow.

In the union statement Elizabeth Gonzalez, a day custodial cast member at Disney California Adventure, said she knows colleagues who work two or three jobs or even live in a car to make ends meet.

“I am worried as a future mom for the family I’m creating right now,” she said. “Disney can’t call themselves a family friendly company while so many cast members and their families are struggling.”

Union members have been in talks with Disney over wage increases, safety measures, attendance policies and other benefits since April.

“We greatly appreciate the important roles our cast members play in creating memorable experiences for our guests, and we remain committed to reaching an agreement that focuses on what matters most to them while positioning Disneyland Resort for growth and job creation,” the company said in a statement.