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Disneyland Paris => Disneyland Paris News & Rumours => Topic started by: Patrick on May 15, 2012, 07:39:32 PM

Title: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: Patrick on May 15, 2012, 07:39:32 PM
It seems the strikers are back, as InsideDLParis has just reported that the entertainment department have gone an unannounced strike.  This has caused the cancellation of Magic on Parade, and all I can say is I would not want to be in Cafe Mickey tonight, as apparently no characters are appearing there either tonight.  :?
Title: Re: Strikes causing problems in DLP
Post by: SpaceRanger06 on May 15, 2012, 08:41:35 PM
As a CM in the Parade department this has nothing to do with the normal union strikes. This is being done due to a serious situation within the department that has happened between two CM's. This is nothing to do with money or demands but for the well being of safety. I'm not allowed to reveal the truth but if you knew you'd fully agree with our decision. We have never striked before for money or silly demands, we have always tried our hardest to put on a Parade for the paying guests but today was a one off that we had to do. Our department is one of the finest within the resort.




Quote from: "Patrick"It seems the strikers are back, as InsideDLParis has just reported that the entertainment department have gone an unannounced strike.  This has caused the cancellation of Magic on Parade, and all I can say is I would not want to be in Cafe Mickey tonight, as apparently no characters are appearing there either tonight.  :?
Title: Re: Strikes causing problems in DLP
Post by: Josh on May 15, 2012, 09:40:27 PM
Thanks for signing up to tell us. I thought it was strange that the entertainment department was striking. I hope whatever it is gets sorted out soon. :)
Title: Re: Strikes causing problems in DLP
Post by: littlemermaid83 on May 16, 2012, 11:56:00 AM
Due to EPC striking Annual Pass with Meet Mickey has been cancelled today according to insideDLParis.

I knew entertainment wouldn't strike unless it was over something serious.
Title: Re: Strikes causing problems in DLP
Post by: gldc on May 16, 2012, 12:17:15 PM
So the reason was revealed on the french news France 3 last night...sexual harrassment. It's serious, as the man who has done this appears to have done it a few times and DLP have not fired him.

The parade could be cancelled once again today apparently, as well as the train.
Title: Re: Strikes causing problems in DLP
Post by: littlemermaid83 on May 16, 2012, 12:43:29 PM
Quote from: "gldc"So the reason was revealed on the french news France 3 last night...sexual harrassment. It's serious, as the man who has done this appears to have done it a few times and DLP have not fired him.

The parade could be cancelled once again today apparently, as well as the train.


And they let a man like this around children?!!! Makes my skin crawl.
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: Anthony on May 16, 2012, 01:06:30 PM
I've split this topic as the strikes this week are unconnected with earlier actions in April.

Currently it seems the opening ceremony of Meet Mickey Mouse is also on hold (DisneyGazette reports postponed until 4pm for now).

(//http://p.twimg.com/AtAp7M_CMAAM2F5.jpg)
https://twitter.com/#!/InsideDLParis/st ... 0302108673 (https://twitter.com/#!/InsideDLParis/status/202708080302108673%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: Anthony on May 16, 2012, 01:50:56 PM
The brief France 3 report is here, 12 minutes in: http://www.pluzz.fr/jt-19-20-paris-ile- ... 18h59.html (http://www.pluzz.fr/jt-19-20-paris-ile-de-france-2012-05-15-18h59.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)

These signs have now appeared at all photo locations:

(//https://p.twimg.com/AtA4NZSCAAA9Ust.jpg)
Source @InsideDLParis (//https://twitter.com/#!/InsideDLParis/status/202723786003447808)

Just to make clear, the strike today is affecting character-based attractions only: Meet Mickey Mouse, Princess Pavilion, Disney's 20th Anniversary Celebration Train, Animagique, Café Mickey and Cowboy Cookout Barbecue so far; likely Disney's Stars 'n' Cars and Disney Magic on Parade too.

Cowboy Cookout is offering a 25% discount, reports @Magic__Live (//https://twitter.com/#!/Magic__live/status/202721986940649473).

Dreams will obviously be unaffected.
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: DedicatedToDLP(Steve) on May 16, 2012, 01:53:16 PM
I hope it gets resolved soon as the parade was really great when we saw it last week, and not something you want people to miss, but understandable given the circumstances.

As an aside, Meet Mickey Mouse looks fantastic, and what a shame it may not happen today as the weather looks perfect.
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: eduws on May 16, 2012, 02:48:12 PM
Oh god, I really hope this gets resolved quickly as I am taking my 1,3and 4 year olds out on Monday and our entire trip is based around meeting characters as they aren 't terribly interested in the rides.
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: ulak on May 16, 2012, 03:10:15 PM
Can we hope for opening "Mickey Meet n greet" this week??
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: Anthony on May 16, 2012, 03:42:23 PM
One thing they really, really need, and this comes up every time there's a situation like this, is an official corporate Twitter account, blog or newsfeed for Euro Disney SCA. That way they could easily provide a company statement regarding the issue, which might not be suitable to post on the guest-focused @Disney_ParisEN/@Disney_ParisFR accounts. They've both been deathly silent today despite advertising the Meet Mickey Mouse opening ceremony yesterday - it could have been good to at least note the postponement, for visitors who don't follow the fansite accounts...

At this moment, it's really impossible to say how long this may or may not take to be resolved.
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: littlemermaid83 on May 16, 2012, 03:53:41 PM
I think this will probably go on until the man in question has been removed from his post.
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: ulak on May 16, 2012, 03:56:51 PM
:cry:
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: eduws on May 16, 2012, 04:31:12 PM
Surely DLP will want this resolved ASAP? In the event of it not being resolved by next week are they likely to offer any sort of compensation to their visitors?
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: Disneydad23 on May 16, 2012, 05:02:20 PM
Hi

As a parent of one of the cast members.

This is very disturbing news. We hope that this gets resolved quickly as that's not what the cast are there for.

They signed up to entertain .

Not be put in a impossible position.   :cry:
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: dlpfan1992 on May 16, 2012, 05:09:05 PM
Surly DLP will resolve this quickly.  :?
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: Anthony on May 16, 2012, 05:21:56 PM
Small update:

@InsideDLParis reports that although Disney's Stars 'n' Cars has so far been cancelled, Animagique has been showing today (//https://twitter.com/#!/InsideDLParis/status/202775160808415232) and the Inventions buffet does still have characters present (//https://twitter.com/#!/InsideDLParis/status/202775743195914240). You could also still see Mickey and the gang in puppet form at Playhouse Disney.
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: eduws on May 16, 2012, 06:42:32 PM
Is the Auberge effected?
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: eduws on May 16, 2012, 06:45:26 PM
Quote from: "Disneydad23"Hi

As a parent of one of the cast members.

This is very disturbing news. We hope that this gets resolved quickly as that's not what the cast are there for.

They signed up to entertain .

Not be put in a impossible position.   :cry:

It must be awful for them. I will be devastated and my holiday will be ruined if this isn't resolved before next week, but I wouldn't dream of blaming the Cast Members. You just wouldn't sign up to that sort of job if you weren't committed to providing a magical experience for the guests. Last time we were out there it was January and freezing. The princesses were turning blue! You'd only put yourself through that for the love of it!
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: Disneydad23 on May 16, 2012, 06:48:59 PM
My child has been on the phone in tears...

saying all i want to do is my job,

They have no idea how long it will last?

they want it sorted as much as the visitors.....
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: _Natalie_x on May 16, 2012, 06:58:13 PM
Todays animagique show at 3pm was cancelled. The theatre was full to brimming, then at 2:59, all exits were opened and an automated message said "due to unforseen circumstances, todays show is cancelled". Then everyone had to leave..
I cant help thinking it could be handled a little better. Cast who have no connection to the entertainment department are being screamed at by angry guests at something beyond their control. Not that I dont appreciate the matter is serious for the parade cast. Really hope everything is sorted soon its a little intense and the magic is swiftly fleeing!!!! :(
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: dlpfan1992 on May 16, 2012, 07:32:37 PM
Hopefully this will make DLP management wake up. This what happens when you let problems fester.  :roll:
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: ulak on May 16, 2012, 08:13:09 PM
What do you mean?  :cry:  Is some chance for normal entertainment with opening "Mickey" for this weekend??  :?
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: Anthony on May 16, 2012, 08:21:24 PM
Tweet from @Lau_Ravenswood (//https://twitter.com/#!/Lau_Ravenswood/status/202824562247872512) (Cast Member):

QuoteFin de la grève annoncée, les négociations ont abouties ! Retour à la normale dès demain à @Disney_ParisFR
End of the strike announced, negotiations have concluded. Return to normal tomorrow at Disneyland Paris!
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: ulak on May 16, 2012, 08:29:45 PM
Quote from: "Anthony"Tweet from @Lau_Ravenswood (//https://twitter.com/#!/Lau_Ravenswood/status/202824562247872512) (Cast Member):

QuoteFin de la grève annoncée, les négociations ont abouties ! Retour à la normale dès demain à @Disney_ParisFR
End of the strike announced, negotiations were successful. Return to normal tomorrow at Disneyland Paris!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!  :)
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: dlpfan1992 on May 16, 2012, 08:33:05 PM
Good news!  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Strike action entertainment - 15th/16th May 2012
Post by: lilfencer09 on May 16, 2012, 08:36:12 PM
I am glad it has been resolved. However the wonderful CM's should not of had to strike to make managment sort out the horrible situation. Management should have sorted it out quickly after the first incident. My minnie ears go off to the wonderful CM's who make the parks what they are. You do an amazing job, keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: Anthony on May 16, 2012, 08:47:51 PM
Also being reported by FishMan and miss_winnie92 on Disney Central Plaza, with some emphasis on the "should" be back to normal operation tomorrow. And apparently the "strike" should be inverted commas too, as it was really "un droit de retrait" - a "right of withdrawal"? - rather than a true strike like those seen last month.

Apparently people waiting for the Meet Mickey Mouse inauguration were kept waiting even when, according to miss_winnie92, management "knew very well" it would not be happening today. I'm still finding it odd that none of the official Facebook or Twitter accounts have at least posted a message to say the opening has been postponed to a future date, since they announced it would be opening today several times.

I don't think any of the criticism here will be falling on the character performers.
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: dlpfan1992 on May 16, 2012, 09:11:09 PM
Quote from: "Anthony"Also being reported by FishMan and miss_winnie92 on Disney Central Plaza, with some emphasis on the "should" be back to normal operation tomorrow. And apparently the "strike" should be inverted commas too, as it was really "un droit de retrait" - a "right of withdrawal"? - rather than a true strike like those seen last month.

Apparently people waiting for the Meet Mickey Mouse inauguration were kept waiting even when, according to miss_winnie92, management "knew very well" it would not be happening today. I'm still finding it odd that none of the official Facebook or Twitter accounts have at least posted a message to say the opening has been postponed to a future date, since they announced it would be opening today several times.

I don't think any of the criticism here will be falling on the character performers.
So management think its acceptable to mislead guests.  :roll:
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: scampbunny on May 16, 2012, 09:16:33 PM
Quote from: "Anthony"Also being reported by FishMan and miss_winnie92 on Disney Central Plaza, with some emphasis on the "should" be back to normal operation tomorrow. And apparently the "strike" should be inverted commas too, as it was really "un droit de retrait" - a "right of withdrawal"? - rather than a true strike like those seen last month.

Apparently people waiting for the Meet Mickey Mouse inauguration were kept waiting even when, according to miss_winnie92, management "knew very well" it would not be happening today. I'm still finding it odd that none of the official Facebook or Twitter accounts have at least posted a message to say the opening has been postponed to a future date, since they announced it would be opening today several times.

I don't think any of the criticism here will be falling on the character performers.

thats horrific from the manangement..... how much damage have management caused from this??? too much....

i do hope the situation has been sorted for the cms, and its sad that it had to come to this to get things sorted......  i do hope they can continue to be as professional as they have been and i totally commend them.....
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: Josh on May 16, 2012, 10:20:45 PM
It's horrible to hear the cause of this strike. The Cast Members don't deserve this at all...
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: gemma2806 on May 16, 2012, 11:38:33 PM
All I can say is "Unbelieveable!!". How can the management let one man cause so much disruption and upset to guests and cast members. Very poor managerial skills, all they had to do was suspend the man on full pay pending investigation then everything could be handled with minimal affect on guests and cast members until the situation was resolved.

The poor CM's would have been upset and put on the spot by understandbly angry guests who have paid out so much money to visit the parks in the first place. You would have thought that a company as big as Disney would have been able to handle this better. I just hope that whichever CM was harrassed by this man that they are ok and do not feel that they need to leave their position just because of how the whole thing has been handled.

I hope that everyone, guests and CM's alike can now get back to normal and enjoy Disney as it should be enjoyed and not with something like this hanging over everyone's heads.
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: dlpfan1992 on May 17, 2012, 12:13:16 AM
I read on another forum that the strike will continue for a third day! Why are management allow to this continue. They could of easily resolved this problem by suspending the CM and proper investigation. It should off never got this far.

How many more days of no Parade and Meet 'n Greets will they allow before they solve the problem.

Well done DLP Management for creating a PR disaster from a problem that should of been solved straight away!  ](*,)
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: DedicatedToDLP(Steve) on May 17, 2012, 08:00:11 AM
Strange that this isn't being resolved ASAP, are there any employment laws which are maybe stopping them removing the alleged offender immediately? One would assume not as the CMs wouldn't 'strike' if they knew there was something preventing the immediate suspension of said party.

I guess we'll find out more later, as at the moment it's all speculation as to what will happen today. I hope for guests and CMs alike that it gets sorted soon.
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: ford prefect on May 17, 2012, 08:11:41 AM
Before we condemn the management, it should be mentioned that we do not have the full story, neither do we have knowledge of the employment laws in this unfortunate situation.
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: ulak on May 17, 2012, 08:57:17 AM
Which email can i write an request to DLP of this,  if everything was ok this saturday? Thank you!
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: littlemermaid83 on May 17, 2012, 10:30:19 AM
From what I have heard the man in question was actually charged with this horrific crime but due to weird French laws on harassment he was able to return to his post after conviction. Hence the mobilization of EPC. I commend them for coming together and standing up for not only the victim but themselves.
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: DedicatedToDLP(Steve) on May 17, 2012, 10:32:46 AM
@insideDLParis has just confirmed the ents crew are all back working as normal today, so I would assume that the matter has now been dealt with to the satisfaction of the CMs. Good news for everyone involved and guests visiting the parks.
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: dagobert on May 17, 2012, 02:58:41 PM
I'm sorry if this has been already asked several times, but what was the resaon for the strike during the last days? How long were the CMs on strike?

Are all problems resolved?
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: gingajen on May 18, 2012, 02:40:08 PM
I'm a little confused. The strikes were reported in todays Daily Mail. So has the situation been resolved or are negotiations still ongoing? Also, typical Daily Mail, mentioned the sexual harassment claims, but also said they were striking due to low wages and poor conditions!
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: ulak on May 18, 2012, 03:07:03 PM
I send email to DLP- and answer is:

"Please rest assured that industrial action is no longer taking place at the resort."
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: Anthony on May 18, 2012, 05:42:49 PM
Quote from: "gingajen"I'm a little confused. The strikes were reported in todays Daily Mail. So has the situation been resolved or are negotiations still ongoing? Also, typical Daily Mail, mentioned the sexual harassment claims, but also said they were striking due to low wages and poor conditions!
Completely resolved as far as we're aware. Don't trust the Daily Mail.

Here's the article for anyone who wants reason to bang their head against a wall: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... sment.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2146320/Mickey-Goofy-Snow-White-course-Grumpy-walk-Disneyland-Paris-pay-sexual-harassment.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)

Strangely the Sun reports it a little better, albeit with a photo from California: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/ne ... ickey.html (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4324395/Disneyland-Paris-strikers-take-the-Mickey.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)

Idiotic quote of the week:

Quote'It's bizarre that Disneyland characters are going on strike,' said Eileen Holmes, a 32-year-old mum from south London who was in Paris with her two young children.

'You expect to see French lorry drivers and fishermen on strike, but not cartoon characters!'
And here they've merged the two (unconnected as far as we're aware) periods of disruption into one:

QuoteAll of the characters come from the entertainment department at Disneyland, where an insider said: 'We are all hugely professional, but have every right to go on strike if we believe that someone who should not be here is working alongside us. We also object to low pay.'

The Disney board in Paris argued that there was not enough evidence to incriminate the alleged sexual harassment offender.

It also denies that staff have the right to 'opt out' of their duties, and has pledged to impose harsh financial penalties on strikers.

Hundreds of  members of four powerful unions have been taking part in demonstrations outside the amusement park on the outskirts of the French capital.

Those caught up in the industrial action last month included hundreds of British families who experienced strike action in March.
No strikes please, we're British!

I'm not sure what they're referring to by saying "Hundreds of members of four powerful unions have been taking part in demonstrations outside the amusement park on the outskirts of the French capital." I was there both at the end of March and on 12th April when there were striking workers outside the gates. I'd be surprised if they even totalled 50, let alone a hundred, let alone hundreds.
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: Epcot_Boy on May 18, 2012, 07:02:56 PM
I was also there on that 1st day of protest in March. I have to say although a pain they didn't really spoil my enjoyment that much and yes...............I doubt that there was more than a hundred protesters :(

(//http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7222304834_9bdf1c22bf_c.jpg)


(//http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/7222318888_b13734ea56_c.jpg)


[youtube:1p8fn8dz]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOxdt1E8MHI&feature=channel&list=UL[/youtube:1p8fn8dz]

Lets face it, our press is prone to exaggerate :-"
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: ilovedisneylandparis on May 18, 2012, 07:30:58 PM
Some of the comments on the Daily Mail article seem really unfair, I red-arrowed them and even made a DM account so I could give 'em my own opinion, haha. Don't see how comments like "This would never happen in Hong Kong Disneyland" help anything?!

I guess we don't know the full story but I would much rather these workers actually took action to remove someone dangerous from the park than just let it slide  :x Loads of people are just using it as an excuse to insult DLP, saying it has "broken down rides" as standard, as if it's some sort of derelict fairground. I get really protective of it haha :(
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: littlemermaid83 on May 18, 2012, 10:27:14 PM
Reading these articles and seeing the comments really made me angry. I feel sorry for the bad press EPC are getting as it just isn't justified. Why should they have to work in a environment where they don't feel safe? Thanks to them there is one less sicko walking around being near children when he can't be trusted near grown adults.
Title: Re: Character performers "strike" action - 15th/16th May 201
Post by: *Pixie*Dust* on May 19, 2012, 02:54:26 PM
I got back from dlrp last night, I was there on the 16th and have to say management handled it badly in terms of saying anything to guests. When we checked in we were told that the parade was on at 7pm and dreams at 10.30pm.

I don't blame the cm's for striking at all no one should have to put up with that, but management could have handled things better no announcement was made until around 6.00pm.

I'm just glad that its been resolved so that it doesn't happen to anyone again, and that they have learnt their lesson to get shot of people like that ASAP!!

Xx