Disney to start furloughing employees on April 19

Disney will start furloughing Disneyland and Walt Disney World employees April 19 in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter about the temporary, short-term furlough was sent to U.S.-based executives, salaried and non-union hourly employees of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

“Over the last few weeks, mandatory decrees from government officials have shut down a majority of our businesses,” the company says in a statement. “Disney employees have received full pay and benefits during this time, and we’ve committed to paying them through April 18, for a total of five additional weeks of compensation.

“However, with no clear indication of when we can restart our businesses, we’re forced to make the difficult decision to take the next step and furlough employees whose jobs aren’t necessary at this time,” Disney says.

Workers will remain employees during this period and will receive full healthcare, with costs of employee and company premiums paid by Disney.

Employees can also use available paid time off at the start of the furlough period, and once furloughed they can receive an extra $600/week in federal compensation through the stimulus bill and state unemployment, Disney says. In addition, all employees who are enrolled in Disney Aspire education program will continue to have access to the program.

Disney World has been closed since March 16 and Disney extended pay to full-time and part-time employees through April 18.

Here is the full statement from Disney: