A strike by union employees at Disneyland Paris may stop the park's rocking
New Year's Eve celebration. Disney played down the chance of a strike,
however local union leader Elena Stanciu warned, "The party'll be ruined,"
citing staff frustration over slow-moving pay talks and dissatisfaction
with a $115 New Year's Eve bonus as the main reasons for the latest threat
of a walk out. Stanciu said seasonal staff were being offered almost four
times as much for working December 31. Disney execs were in 11th-hour talks
with union representatives the night of Monday, December 20, 1999 in an
effort to avoid any party ruining actions. Disney offered this statement to
the public: "Families and friends will have a wonderful time in the Magic
Kingdom, whatever the outcome of the current negotiations." This event
doesn't help support Disney's efforts in Europe, as they recently announced
they will be closing the Disney Stores in Germany in 2000 due to poor
revenues and customer numbers.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
