Disney to lay off 28,000 people in parks in California, Florida – Business News

Attending its theme parks due to the epidemic and other restrictions, Walt Disney Co. It said Tuesday it plans to lay off 28,000 workers in its parks division in California and Florida.

Two-thirds of the planned layoffs will include part-time workers, but they range from salaried employees to nonunion hour workers, Disney officials said.

Disney parks closed last spring as the pandemic spread across America. Florida parks reopened this summer, but California parks are not yet open as the company waits for guidance from the state of California.

In a letter to employees, Josh Demaro, chairman of Experience and Product at Disney Parks, said his management team had worked hard to prevent layoffs. They reduced costs, suspended projects and revised activities, but did not impose restrictions on the number of people allowed into the park due to social distance restrictions and other pandemic-related measures.

“Taking this action is heartbreaking, the only possible option in light of the long-term impact of COVID-19 on our business is the pandemic, including limited uncertainty and duration uncertainty due to physical distance requirements,” he said.

The company offers disassembly packages for employees, where appropriate, and also provides other services to assist workers with job placement, Disney officials said.