More theme park job cuts have been confirmed by Disney as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to hit attendances at its US theme parks.
A regulatory filing by the entertainments giant revealed that 32,000 staff will be axed by the middle of next year.
This follows a decision in September to lay off 28,000 workers mainly at theme parks in Florida and California. That number has now increased by 4,000.
Disney said: “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.
“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.
“Additionally, as of October 3, 2020, approximately 37,000 employees who are not scheduled for employment termination were on furlough as a result of Covid-19’s impact on our businesses.”
The company employs about 203,000 people in a global workforce is comprised of 80% full time and 20% part time employees, with nearly 1% of the part time population being seasonal employees.
Around 155,000 work in the parks, experiences and products segment.
While Disney has been able to re-open its larger Florida operation, rides and attractions in California have been shut since March.
The company’s theme parks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo remain open though Disneyland Paris has been closed for a month – its second lockdown of the year to date.
The Walt Disney Company said in the filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that its parks, experiences and products division had been impacted “most significantly” by Covid-19 and measures to prevent its spread of the pandemic.
“Theme parks were closed or operating at significantly reduced capacity for a significant portion of the year, cruise ship sailings and guided tours were suspended since late in the second quarter and retail stores were closed for a significant portion of the year, the company said.
“The impact of these disruptions and the extent of their adverse impact on our financial and operating results will be dictated by the length of time that such disruptions continue, which will, in turn, depend on the currently unknowable duration and severity of the impacts of Covid-19, and among other things, the impact of governmental actions imposed in response to Covid-19 and individuals’ and companies’ risk tolerance regarding health matters going forward.
“As some of our businesses have reopened, we have incurred additional costs to address government regulations and the safety of our employees, talent and guests.
“The reopening or closure of our businesses is dependent on applicable government requirements, which vary by location, are subject to ongoing changes, which could result from increasing Covid-19 cases.”
Four-ship Disney Cruise Line still expects to expand by adding three new vessels.
The first, Disney Wish, is scheduled to launch in summer 2022 with the other two to be delivered in 2024 and 2025.
“These dates include impacts from shipyard delays due to Covid-19,” the company said.
Each new ship can be powered by liquefied natural gas and will be 140,000 tons with 1,250 cabins.