Disney has disclosed in a filing that it intends to lay off another 4,000 cast members in the first half of 2021. The news came from a 10-K filing that disclosed that it would be laying off 32,000 cast members in total, up from the 28,000 initially disclosed in September. All of these layoffs are from the Disney Parks, Experiences and Products division.
“Due to the current climate, including COVID-19 impacts, and changing environment in which we are operating, the Company has generated efficiencies in its staffing, including limiting hiring to critical business roles, furloughs and reductions-in-force,” said the company in the SEC filing. “As part of these actions, the employment of approximately 32,000 employees primarily at Parks, Experiences and Products will terminate in the first half of fiscal 2021.”
A Disney spokesperson confirmed to Variety that the total number does indeed include the earlier parks layoffs that were announced in September. There are also, as of October 3, 37,000 cast members who are on furlough from Disney.
This most recent announcement comes as COVID-19 continues to impact Disney’s businesses. The Disneyland Resort continues to remain closed with no opening date in sight. The same can be said of the return of the Disney Cruise Line which continues to suspend upcoming sailings. Disneyland Paris is also currently closed due to coronavirus and the other parks that are open are operating at limited capacity.
DAPS MAGIC will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. At this time it is unknown when or where the 4,000 extra layoffs will be coming from.
