Walt Disney World to Furlough 43,000 Employees

A statue of Walt Disney in front of Magic Castle

The Walt Disney Company said Monday that it plans to furlough approximately 43,000 employees at Walt Disney World amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Walt Disney World, which opened in 1971, is a complex of several theme parks near Orlando, Florida. Disney World is comprised of four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom – as well as two water parks, 27 resort hotels, nine non-Disney hotels, a camping resort, golf courses, and an outdoor shopping center.

All Disney theme parks including Walt Disney World were temporarily closed in March.

The furloughs, which are set to start on April 19, 2020, are part of anagreement between Disney World and the Service Trades Council Union, which represents the six unions that represent employees who work there.

“This is a decision that the union doesn’t like,” said Eric Clinton, president of Unite Here Local 362, on Facebook.  “However, it’s within the company’s right to lay off and furlough employees in this situation.”

The company expects to call the workers back to their jobs as the economy reopens and will provide them with health benefits during the furlough period.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)