By Megan Brescini
Feb 12, 2010

The Disney hotel workers' fast and protest, organized by the UniteHere Local 11 union, brought out the big guns Thursday night. Anaheim Councilwoman Lorri Galloway spoke, again pledging her support to their cause. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez also put in an appearance, not missing the opportunity to connect with her voter base. A crowd of more than 100 picketers and protesters stood behind the fasters--who were sitting in a row in front of the podium, red ribbons around their right arms to signify their efforts.

Standing back from the scene was a small group of Disney security guards and press people who've been watching since Tuesday with their earpieces and walkie-talkies. Nestor Valle, security area manager for Disney, has been there every night, smiling his wan smile and insisting he only wants to keep things safe.

The crowd chanted, "¡Sí se puede!" before the speeches began, the sound amplified across the parking lot by the two towering speakers.

"This demonstration and fast is about one core issue: the issue of health care," Sanchez said.

"In Washington, D.C., I was one of the people who said, 'Let's make health care for everybody in the country. I was the only vote in Orange County for health care for all people.'"

In the case of the Disney workers, stable health care represents the Holy Grail for a union whose 2,000-plus members have gone to work without a contract for two years, rather than accept Disney's pricey pay plan over their free, union-controlled plan.

"Unfortunately, those who are against health care for all have stopped the process on us in Washington, DC."

Still, Sanchez has high hopes that federal mediation will move the Disney debacle along.

"I have faith now that Disney has agreed and your very able negotiators have agreed to go to federal mediation. . . . That is why I am out here today: to send a message to Disney that we need to clear the table and we need them to understand how important this issue of health care is."