Disney furloughing its theme park employees as coronavirus keeps parks closed indefinitely
The Walt Disney Company will be furloughing some of its employees at Disneyland and Walt Disney World starting April 19. This comes after SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment announced it would not be paying more than 90% of its employees starting April 1.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on our world with untold suffering and loss, and has required all of us to make sacrifices,” said a spokesperson for The Walt Disney Company.
On Thursday, Disney said the furlough process will begin on April 19, and all impacted workers will remain Disney employees. They will receive full healthcare benefits, plus the cost of employee and company premiums will be paid by Disney.
On March 27, Disney announced it would closing its parks indefinitely and paying hourly parks and resorts cast members through April 18.
“... With no clear indication of when we can restart our businesses, we’re forced to make the difficult decision to take the next step and furlough employees whose jobs aren’t necessary at this time,” Disney said.
Employees can used their paid time off during the furlough and are able to receive “an extra $600 per week in federal compensation through the $2 trillion economic stimulus bill, as well as state unemployment insurance.”
SeaWorld announced on March 27 it would be furloughing more than 90% of its employees as the coronavirus keeps its theme parks closed.
