Walt Disney World Is Furloughing 43,000 Employees

Walt Disney is laying off what is the biggest furlough due to the virus and the number isn’t pretty. 

It’s incredibly upsetting to hear this news, but with all bad news comes a positive and leave it up to Walt Disney to fulfill that role!

Aside from the furlough, 200 employees based on seniority will be able to work throughout the theme parks for “essential duties”, according to the Service Trades Council Union, (unions who represent Walt Disney World employees).

Unfortunately and very soon, 43,000 workers will be furloughed.

However, workers can keep their benefits for up to one year, such as medical, dental and life insurance, said the union.

“Everyone’s job, seniority, wage rate and benefits are guaranteed through the furlough, even if you stay on furlough after Disney reopens. Seniority continues indefinitely beyond 12 months,” in a statement said by the Service Trades Council Union for Walt Disney World

Service Trades Council Union

In a statement from Walt Disney to Deadline,

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Service Trades Council Union that will maintain members’ health insurance benefits coverage, educational support and additional employee assistance programs during a temporary furlough effective April 19,” the statement said.

“This agreement provides an easier return to work when our community recovers from the impact of COVID-19. We are grateful to have worked together in good faith to help our Cast Members navigate these unprecedented times.”

Deadline

While this isn’t the news anyone wanted to hear, at least employees can keep their medical benefits, right?

Also, as many individuals are currently being laid off from work all of the country, I want to remind everyone to stay home and social distance from others, so we can return back to normalcy as quickly as possible.