Disney Parks Begin Cast Member Layoffs

    In an email today, Disney has reached out to Cast Members in the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products division to notify them that they will begin layoffs. Approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, of which about 67% are part-time.

    Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro offered the following statement:

    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.

    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.
    Josh D’Amaro

    Here are portions of the email sent out to Cast Members to notify them of the layoffs:

    Let me start with my belief that the heart and soul of our business is and always will be people. Just like all of you, I love what I do. I also love being surrounded by people who think about their roles as more than jobs, but as opportunities to be a part of something special, something different, and something truly magical.

    Earlier this year, in response to the pandemic, we were forced to close our businesses around the world. Few of us could have imagined how significantly the pandemic would impact us – both at work and in our daily lives. We initially hoped that this situation would be short-lived, and that we would recover quickly and return to normal. Seven months later, we find that has not been the case. And, as a result, today we are now forced to reduce the size of our team across executive, salaried, and hourly roles.

    As you can imagine, a decision of this magnitude is not easy. For the last several moths, our management team has worked tirelessly to avoid having to separate anyone from the Company. We cut expenses, suspended capital projects, furloughed our Cast Members while still paying benefits, and modified our operations to run as efficiently as possible, however, we simply cannot responsibly stay fully staffed while operating at such limited capacity.

    As heartbreaking as it is to take this action, this is the only feasible option we have 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.

    Thank you for your dedication, patience and understanding during these difficult times. I know that these changes will be challenging. it will take time for all of us to process this information and its impact. We will be scheduling appointments with our affected salaried and non-union hourly employees over the next few days. Additionally, today we will begin the process of discussing next steps with unions.

    For those affected by this decision, I want to thank you for all that you have done for this company and our guests. While we don’t know when the pandemic will be behind us, we are confident in our resilience, and hope to welcome back Cast Members and employees when we can.
    Josh D’Amaro

    As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!

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    3 COMMENTS

    1. Yup. They where living in there cars and living in hotels without water and electricity when they where working there now who knows what they will do . But one thing for sure people need to know you will
      Not make money in Florida a right to work state is a right to work for less. I feel for these people. And trying to get unemployment.

    2. They will go on unemployment and do fine. When this is over Disney will bring them back. You can’t expect companies to keep their entire workforce when everything is running at a sharply reduced capacity.

    Comments are closed.

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