Disney World Florida to furlough 43,000 employees
Walt Disney World in Florida plans to furlough about 43,000 workers after it closed last month because of the coronavirus pandemic, the company and a union coalition representing the workers said.
In mid-March, Disney’s theme parks closed down globally, including Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
The furloughs, which are set to begin on April 19, were part of an agreement between Disney World and the Service Trades Council Union, a collection of six unions representing the 43,000 workers at the theme park resort in Florida.
The workers, who are expected to be called back to their jobs, will be able to keep their health benefits during the furlough period. Also, they will not lose their seniority or have their pay reduced.
The employees will be immediately eligible to enroll in state unemployment benefits. The company has agreed to provide members who have health care benefits with free health care for a year.
About 200 employees who are considered essential workers will remain on the job, including those in housekeeping, custodial and lake patrol positions.