California senator and former Disneyland employee Pat Bates is “shocked and heartbroken” to learn that 28,000 Cast Members are being laid off at Disney Parks.
The layoff announcement was made today by 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.
His specific reference to the state’s unwillingness to reopen Disneyland Parks prompted Senator Bates to urge the California governor to reconsider opening California’s theme parks.
Disneyland Parks have been closed since March 14 due to COVID-19 and while Disney Parks across the world have reopened to the public, a reopening date for Disneyland Resort theme parks is still in limbo.
To learn more about the Disneyland Resort, phased reopening of the Downtown Disney District and park announcements, please visit disneyland.disney.go.com.
What do you think about Senator Bates’ response? Let us know in the comments.
