SeaWorld is furloughing nearly all of workforce due to the coronavirus pandemic

SeaWorld is furloughing nearly all its 15,000 workforce indefinitely as parks close because of coronavirus pandemic

  •  SeaWorld will furlough 90 per cent of its workers, marking another financial casualty of the coronavirus pandemic
  • Workers will not be paid beyond March 31, but some may be eligible for unemployment benefits
  • Earlier this month SeaWorld announced it would be temporarily closing its 12 amusement parks due to the coronavirus pandemic
  • At the end of 2019, Seaworld had roughly 4,300 full-time employees and close to 11,000 part-time employees
  • SeaWorld hasn’t given a timetable for when it will open its parks
  • Disney World also announced on Friday it would remain closed indefinitely
  • Earlier this week, Universal Orlando said it would be closed until at least April 19
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

SeaWorld is furloughing 90 per cent of its 15,000 employees as it closes its parks during the coronavirus epidemic.

The company made the announcement in an SEC filing on March 27 which did not set a timetable for when staff would return.  

Workers will not receive payment beyond March 31.   

The news follows an announcement from the company earlier this month that it would be temporarily closing its 12 amusement parks in Florida, California, and Texas due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

An SEC filing from last month showed Seaworld had roughly 4,300 full-time employees and close to 11,000 part-time employees at the end of 2019.

 

SeaWorld announced earlier this month that it would be temporarily closing its 12 amusement parks in Florida, California, and Texas due to the coronavirus pandemic

Matthew Schroder was prepared to begin work as a host at SeaWorld Orlando in March when he got word the company was pushing back his start date through the end of this month

Matthew Schroder was prepared to begin work as a host at SeaWorld Orlando in March when he got word the company was pushing back his start date through the end of this month

A 2013 documentary shined spotlight on the dangers of whale captivity. The film explored the deaths of three people who were killed at SeaWorld by a whale named Tilikum

A 2013 documentary shined spotlight on the dangers of whale captivity. The film explored the deaths of three people who were killed at SeaWorld by a whale named Tilikum

‘Government orders prohibiting large gatherings, restricting travel, and mandating business closures have caused many companies to scale back or cease operations,’ a letter sent to furloughed employees read. 

‘They have caused significant disruption to our communities and are anticipated to do so for the foreseeable future.’ 

Disney World also announced on Friday it would remain closed indefinitely. Earlier this week, Universal Orlando said it would be closed until at least April 19.

SeaWorld has faced a dip in attendance prior to the coronavirus outbreak. A 2013 documentary shined spotlight on the dangers of whale captivity. The film explored the deaths of three people who were killed at SeaWorld by a whale named Tilikum.

Bad publicity from the film soured people on the practice of whale captivity, which contributed to slumping attendance at the park. In 2017, SeaWorld laid off 475 workers, followed by more cuts the next year.  

The company has had multiple rounds of layoffs in the past, but this is the first time its had to furlough workers. 

‘The furloughed employees will not receive compensation from the company during the furlough period after March 31, 2020; however, subject to local regulations, these employees will be eligible for unemployment benefits,’ a SeaWorld SEC filing reads.

As of 6pm on March 28, Florida has confirmed more than 4,000 cases of coronavirus, including 56 deaths, according to the state’s health department.  

‘The company looks forward to welcoming back its ambassadors and guests when it is safe to open again.’ 

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