As the coronavirus pandemic continues to take a toll on the world, Disney Parks will be moving to reduce its staff by 28,000 cast members.
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The Walt Disney Company made the announcement on Tuesday in a press release from Disney Parks chairman Josh D’Amaro.
“In light of the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on our business, including limited capacity due to physical distancing requirements and the continued uncertainty regarding the duration of the pandemic – exacerbated in California by the State’s unwillingness to lift restrictions that would allow Disneyland to reopen – we have made the very difficult decision to begin the process of reducing our workforce at our Parks, Experiences and Products segment at all levels, having kept non-working Cast Members on furlough since April, while paying healthcare benefits. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time. We are talking with impacted employees as well as to the unions on next steps for union-represented Cast Members.”
D’Amare continued saying “Over the past several months, we’ve been forced to make a number of necessary adjustments to our business, and as difficult as this decision is today, we believe that the steps we are taking will enable us to emerge a more effective and efficient operation when we return to normal. Our Cast Members have always been key to our success, playing a valued and important role in delivering a world-class experience, and we look forward to providing opportunities where we can for them to return.”
The Walt Disney Company has been calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to revise the restrictions currently keeping amusement parks from reopening. Currently the governor has not issued any form of a response.
With the coronavirus pandemic expected to extend well into 2021, this may not be the last such notice we see such as this.
