Posted: Wed., Apr. 8, 1998, 11:00pm PT

Mouse loot a new wrinkle in NABET fray

Union spokesman calls discount percentage difference a 'power move'

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NEW YORK -- Mickey Mouse will show you, NABET!

Disney and ABC issued new employee ID and discount cards this week, with all ABC employees -- except those represented by the National Assn. of Broadcast Employees & Technicians -- now getting a 35% discount off Disney merchandise. NABET members only get 20% off.

NABET and the Mouse's TV network have been taking shots at each other for months (and NABET employees have been working without a contract for more than a year), but the two parties are expected to head back to the bargaining table in mid-May.

"Everyone's laughing about this," said NABET Local 16 spokesman Jim Joyce. "Like this power move is going to be the thing that forces us to accept (ABC Inc. prexy Robert) Iger's 'last, best and final offer.' "

ABC spokeswoman Julie Hoover said the new discount was not meant to punish NABET, and that new benefits went into effect companywide as of April 1. NABET was not included as their 12 contracts have not yet been settled.