FLORIDA: Walt Disney World has planned to temporally lay-off its 43,000 workers amid temporary closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to international media, the furlough is expected to go into effect on 19th April. Disney had reached similar agreements with unions for musicians, facility workers, and security guards of its theme parks.
A statement issued by Disney said, “Every workers’ job, seniority, wage rate, and benefits are guaranteed through the leave. Workers who have health insurance benefits will keep them through the furlough for up to 12 months, during which time the company will pay for the insurance as well.”
About 200 essential workers will continue working in the parks. Disney also announced plans to furlough some of its non-union workers last week.
Earlier this week, Disney World and a union representing musicians who perform at its theme parks reached a similar agreement. The company said that it would furlough executive, salaried and hourly union employees whose jobs are not necessary at this time.
The company had shuttered the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Disneyland and California Adventure in Anaheim, and Disneyland Paris Resort last as the COVID-19 pandemic worsened.
Moreover, analysts have estimated that the company could be facing an 11-million fall in visitor numbers across its theme parks, at a potential cost of $500m. When the theme park would reopen, the visitors would be subjected to temperature checks also as a safety measure.
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