MLB: Blue Jays commit to a summer without layoffs, but pay cuts are coming
The Blue Jays have offered some short-term security to their baseball and business operations departments by committing to pay employees through at least Oct. 1.
A team spokesperson confirmed to the Star that the club won’t make any furloughs or layoffs related to the COVID-19 pandemic until at least the start of October. The decision applies to anyone on a uniform employee contract.
According to the Jays, “employees earning above a lowearning threshold will take a wage decrease, with the highest earners agreeing to larger compensation reductions, effective June 15 to October 1.”
They did not reveal what constituted a “low-earning threshold” or how many employees would have their pay reduced. All staff will maintain full access to medical coverage and benefits through the announced dates. The Jays previously had announced they would continue to pay staff through at least May 31.
MLB teams have made a series of announcements related to human resources in recent days, and how workers are being treated varies by city. The Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox were among those committed to no furloughs or pay reductions, but only through the end of June.
According to the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Tigers and Rockies have remained committed to paying staff regular wages “for as long as possible.” Other teams have been far less generous, with the Miami Marlins having previously announced they would furlough 90 to 100 employees starting on June 1. The Pirates also announced furloughs in business operations, while others will be required to take at least a five per cent cut.
Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno has an estimated net worth of more than $3 million, per Forbes, but his deep pockets will provide little comfort to his employees. The Angels intend to furlough their area scouts starting on June 1, even though MLB’s draft is tentatively scheduled to take place later that month.
The announcements are being made while owners and players are locked into negotiations on a return to play. Owners recently submitted a 67-page document on health and safety protocols that would have to be followed during the pandemic. A proposal on salaries and possible revenue sharing is expected in the next few days.
The players argue that they’ve already agreed to prorated salaries in the event of a shortened 2020 season. The owners counter that this earlier agreement doesn’t apply if fans, as expected, are prohibited from attending games. The loss of revenue at the gate has the league asking for additional concessions, including reduced pay.
MLB’s proposal also calls for spring training to reopen in early to mid-June, with the start of the season in early July. That means they likely have until the end of May or the first week of June to reach a formal agreement. A lengthy negotiation likely would push back the start of the season to even later in the summer.