Disney to start Furloughs April 19th

kpilcher

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Just in to NEWS 6 / WKMG-TV (we'll have more soon on clickorlando.com)

The following statement may be attributed to a spokesperson for The Walt Disney Company:

“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. Over the last few weeks, mandatory decrees from government officials have shut down a majority of our businesses. Disney employees have received full pay and benefits during this time, and we’ve committed to paying them through April 18, for a total of five additional weeks of compensation. However, 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. The furlough process will begin on April 19, and all impacted workers will remain Disney employees through the duration of the furlough period. They will receive full healthcare benefits, plus the cost of employee and company premiums will be paid by Disney, and those enrolled in Disney Aspire will have continued access to the education program. Additionally, employees with available paid time off can elect to use some or all of it at the start of the furlough period and, once furloughed, they are eligible to receive an extra $600 per week in federal compensation through the $2 trillion economic stimulus bill, as well as state unemployment insurance.”
 

kpilcher

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Our first story is up. We will update through the night as we hear back and learn more.
Not sure if it is included yet -- but Annual Pass monthly payments will be suspended on April 5th.

 

wdwfan22

Well-Known Member
This is a big deal and not for the immediately obvious reasons. Trying to rehire and retrain these employees when the parks eventually open up is a nightmare. Re-opening the parks is quite literally going to be like opening them for the first time

I don't think it will be that drastic. They will be brought back once the parks can reopen. They also will retain health benefits during the downtime, and can now collect unemployment. Hopefully the downtime doesn't last long but it's not looking like they are going to be able to reopen anytime soon. I suspect Union Cast Members will get their notices tomorrow.
 

Hakunamatata

Le Meh
Premium Member
Think back to the year or so after 9-11. Lands phase opening during the day. Shows offered on a limited basis. No EMHs or after hour events. Limited dining.
 

Giss Neric

Well-Known Member
I don't know if the statistics are accurate or they lying but USA having twice as more cases than Italy, Spain, Germany or even China is worrying. Almost 243,229 as of this day. If it goes higher in the next few weeks then extension of closures of everything will happen.
 

peter11435

Well-Known Member
This is a big deal and not for the immediately obvious reasons. Trying to rehire and retrain these employees when the parks eventually open up is a nightmare. Re-opening the parks is quite literally going to be like opening them for the first time
Not exactly. They are being furloughed not let go. They wont be being paid but they will retain their jobs and benefits. When the time is right to reopen everyone can be recalled in to service. It’s essentially like everyone being on an unpaid leave of absence.
 

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