23 trade unions and the Orange County Labor Federation announced the creation of the UniteKnotts Coalition during a press conference on August 20, 2025, at 10 AM, at the corner of Western and Crescent Avenue in Buena Park. This coalition aims to organize and represent the workforce at Knott’s Berry Farm.

The UniteKnotts Coalition seeks to advocate for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and improved future prospects for all employees at the park, which serves an average daily attendance of 10,000 visitors. The workforce at Knott’s Berry Farm includes ride operators, entertainment technicians, food service professionals, groundskeepers, and workers from building trades.

The formation of this coalition follows the merger of Cedar Fair, Knott’s Berry Farm’s corporate owner, with Six Flags Corp., creating the largest theme park operator in North America.

Brad Marlowe, an official with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), noted the coalition’s development, stating, “We started talking about this about two years ago, and more unions gradually joined. The California Labor Federation got involved after we had five or six unions committed to this effort.”

The press conference gathered support from local elected officials, including Buena Park Vice Mayor Connor Trout and Councilmembers Lamiya Hoque and Susan Sonne.

Adrian Esparza with workers wearing hard hats

Adrian Esparza, a leader from Laborers Union Local 652 in Santa Ana, commented on the coalition’s purpose: “The collaboration between our local unions and the OC Labor Fed marks a joint effort to unify and unionize Knott’s.”

Union leaders are inviting Knott’s Berry Farm workers to visit UniteKnotts.com to learn more about the coalition and the benefits of union representation. Marlowe stated, “Workers can reach out through our website, and the appropriate union for their trade will connect with them,” expressing hope that the company would collaborate with the coalition to achieve a beneficial agreement.

The goals of the UniteKnotts Coalition include:
– Collective Voice: Advocating for better workplace standards and wages.
– Inclusive Representation: Connecting workers with unions suited to their specific needs.
– Education and Resources: Providing support to enhance worker solidarity.

Workers are encouraged to visit UniteKnotts.com for more information on the coalition and union membership opportunities.

These historic images of Knott’s Berry Farm will evoke memories of family trips to what was seen as the little brother to Disneyland and began, literally, as a berry farm owned and operated by Walter and Cordelia Knott in the 1920’s.