Despite this relations with employees were strained in the early days. The ‘all American’ workforce, aligned to the company’s values was certainly not how French
Labor unions saw the company. Initially cast members were not unionized but in little more than a year, they were represented by one of the toughest unions in France. One trade union member describe cast members as slaves, rather than characters. A values program which creates consistency in the American parks was seen, by some at least, to be focused on creating puppets. France labor unions also protested about the dress code, which they saw as an attack on individual liberty. Relations were further strained when poor financial performance required significant job cuts.