Universal Orlando Layoffs 2020: Undisclosed Number Of Workers Cut After Coronavirus Shut Down Theme Parks

Universal Orlando Resort is reportedly laying off an undisclosed number of workers from various locations and business units within its Parks & Resorts division.

The company confirmed the news to WESH, an NBC affiliate out of Winter Park, Florida, saying the job cuts are a result of the impact of the coronavirus.

Universal closed its theme parks in late-March because of coronavirus pandemic and reopened locations in early-June on a limited capacity basis with safety restrictions in place.

At the time of the theme park closures, Universal reportedly cut some full-time employees’ pay by 20% and furloughed many part-time workers.

Beyond the layoffs, Universal told the news outlet that it is working to adjust furloughs across multiple locations as well as pay cuts and budgets.

“We have made the difficult decision to reduce our Parks & Resorts workforce across multiple locations and business units,” Tom Schroder, Universal Orlando spokesman, told Spectrum News. “This decision was not made lightly, but was necessary to prepare us for the future.”

Universal will reportedly provide affected employees with severance pay, subsidized health benefits, and job placement assistance.