August 15, 2008 Mickey and Minnie Mouse arrested in California Play video

(NECN: Anaheim, California) - Protesters dressed as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and other Disney characters spent some time in the slammer last night.

The characters were arrested at a labor protest after 800 protesters shut down an entrance to Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

The protest was held to support approximately 2,300 Disney Hotel employees, who are working without a contract.

Some of the protesters used their creativity and showed up dressed as popular Disney characters.

Police started making arrests after they repeatedly asked the protesters to clear the roadway.

The first to be cuffed, a man dressed like Mickey Mouse, then moments later Minnie was arrested along with more than two-dozen others.

Union workers say Disney wants to cut healthcare benefits and change the wage system.

Disney officials say they are willing to talk about the labor issues.

Lisa Haines of the Disneyland Resort said, "We wish that they would spend more time at the negotiating table with us, than planning these protests. This is the 14th they've done but yet they've only been with us for 11 sessions to try to negotiate a contract."