Disney Parks Are Laying Off 28,000 Employees Amid Pandemic

Disney is announcing some major decisions.

The Walt Disney Company revealed that 28,000 employees from the Parks, Experiences and Products segment “at all levels” will be laid off, THR reported Tuesday (September 29).

The company is placing the blame for the decision on California not allowing Disneyland to reopen at this time amid the pandemic.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Disney World is planning to reopen a water park in 2021.