Disney will reportedly lay off 28,000 of its employees in the United States, in an effort to stay afloat amid the current COVID-19 pandemic pressures.
However, according to a CNN report, at least 67 percent of the total will be offered back to work part-time. Disney theme parks and resorts in the US currently have over 100,000 employees.
Previously, several Disney theme parks and resorts located in several countries had to be closed after being severely affected by the current situation of COVID-19. In fact, the company reportedly experienced a decline in profits of up to 91 percent in the first 3 months of 2020.
According to Disney Theme Park Chairman Josh D’Amaro, this decision had to be taken after taking into account the long-term impact of the pandemic on businesses as well as companies having to comply with SOPs such as physical imprisonment practices and uncertainty when this pandemic will end.
The company, among other things, also blamed the California local government’s refusal to withdraw the restraining order which if withdrawn would allow Disney to resume operations. Disneyland and California Adventure, one of Disney’s premier theme parks, located in California has been closed since March.
A statement from Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products: https://t.co/EiBnCNBCqd pic.twitter.com/kXF2PH5D13
— Disney Parks News (@DisneyParksNews) September 29, 2020
Source: CNN, Disney Parks News