Josh D'Amaro, Chairman Disney Parks, Experiences & Products, released a statement today about the difficult decision to layoff approximately 28,000 cast members.
Due to the COIVD-19 pandemic on Disney and the limited capacity the difficult decision was made to reduce the workforce of the Parks, Experiences and Products segment at "all levels." D'Amaro blatantly states that the layoffs were exacerbated in California by the restrictions that would not allow Disneyland to reopen.
Disney has kept non-working Cast Members on furlough since April and was paying the furloughed Cast Members' healthcare benefits. Disney is estimating that approximately 28,000 domestic employees will be affected, and 67% of the affected employees are part-time.
Josh D'Amaro ends his statement with hope that in the future Disney could provide opportunities for Cast Members to return.
If you are looking to personally help furloughed cast members or cast members who lost their job you can donate to Cast Member Pantry that provide free food essentials. You can learn more here - https://www.facebook.com/castmemberpantry/
News Source: Disney