As the temporary theme park closures continue further into 2020, many companies have had to make the difficult decision to furlough some of their employees. Today, we learned that Universal has extended their temporary closure by over a month from their previously projected reopening date.

Universal Orlando!

In addition to extending their closure, Universal has also announced that they will be furloughing many of their employees.

Beginning MAy 3rd, Universal will furlough all of their part time, hourly employees. In addition to this, in a statement provided by Universal, beginning on April 20, “nearly all of our team members will be paid at 80 percent of their pay”, while “a small group of team members will be asked to continue working at 100 percent and will continue to be paid at that level.” It was previously announced that Universal would pay all of their employees at 100 percent through April 19, which at the time was their supposed reopening date. 

© Universal

The temporary closures at Universal expand to all of their theme parks in both Orlando and Hollywood, as well as City Walk, and their resort hotels.

© Universal

Universal’s actions are similar to the steps taken by Disney. We recently reported on Disney’s announcement that all executive, salaried and non-union employees would be furloughed beginning on April 19. Disney is also currently in negotiations with the various unions that are represented across their theme parks and have begun the process of settling those negotiations. Disney has also recently announced that they will furlough their non-essential employees at Walt Disney Studios, also beginning on April 19.

Click here to learn more about the furlough on Disney employees

To catch up on all the latest Disney closure news, check the links below.

What do you think about the Universal furloughs? Let us know below.