"Though character performers in the parade section and meet-and-greet ... have similar roles and qualifications as those of the show cast, their salaries differ unreasonably"

MICKEY MOUSE and friends are not happy -- at least the staff who wear the cartoon characters' costumes in Hong Kong Disneyland aren't.

The troubled Disney theme park has been stung by yet more complaints when a staff union accused management of setting unfair pay scales and overworking crew. The Hong Kong Disneyland Cast Members Union said the resort, which is majority owned by the Hong Kong government, was also being stingy on contracts and holiday entitlements.

The union said Sunday (Apr 9) staff employed to dress as Mickey and other famous characters and perform in the park's stage shows were paid up to 22 percent more than those who donned the same costumes in other parts of the park.

"Although character performers in the parade section and meet-and-greet ... have similar roles and qualifications as those of the show cast, their salaries differ unreasonably," the union said.

It said regular staff received HK$9,000 (US$1,153) a month, while show cast were paid HK$11,000.

It also said the company had begun hiring staff on short-term contracts to avoid paying health and other benefits.

Staff were working more than the 45 hours per week stipulated in their job descriptions and had been told they must multitask in other parts of the park.

"Many character performers have severe occupational injuries due to long working hours, insufficient break times, heavy and suffocating costumes and so forth," the union said.

Sunday's appeal came as the theme park geared up for the Easter crowds and an influx of mainland visitors during the May "golden week" holidays.

Disney management were unavailable for comment.

The union attack is the latest setback for the US$3 billion resort, the first Disney theme park in China which opened to huge fanfare in September.

More about HK Disney's troubles:

• Spring Festival ticket incident: In February hundreds of customers went on the rampage outside the park after confusion over a  new ticketing system saw them locked out despite having paid their entry fee.
• It has also faced complaints from customers that the park is too small, that the hotels had been infested with pests and that there was too much emphasis on selling merchandise.
• Staff formed the union late last year after many crew members complained of being exploited.

Editor: Wing