WILL `STAR WARS PHANTOM MENACE' TO LEAD TO PHANTOM OFFICES?

WILL `STAR WARS PHANTOM MENACE' TO LEAD TO PHANTOM OFFICES?

CHICAGO (Wireless Flash) -- It looks the upcoming "Star Wars" prequel, "The Phantom Menace," may result in phantom workplaces. Business experts fear there will be a massive workplace walkout on May 19 when the flick opens nationwide. Some insiders say it may cost American businesses as much as $300 million in lost wages. According to business analyst John Challenger, nearly 4.7 million Americans -- the population of Minnesota -- ditched work to see the opening day of "The Lost World; Jurassic Park II". He figures even more employees will call in sick to check out "Star Wars." However, some employers may want to plan for the future, because Challenger predicts a similar shutdown when the next "Star Wars" prequel opens in 2002.

CONTACT: John Challenger, ***1/2; Arrange with Herb Rozoff; Chicago, IL; (847) 562-1955