SeaWorld furloughs 90% of workers because of virus crisis

SeaWorld Entertainment is furloughing 90% of its workers because the novel coronavirus had forced the company to close its 12 theme parks.

The employees will be paid through the beginning of next week. After next week, the workers will be off without pay for an uncertain time, the Orlando-based company said Friday in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

SeaWorld’s annual report says that as of Dec 31, 2018, it employed about 4,700 fulltime employees and approximately 12,000 part-time employees. During peak season in 2018, the company hires more than 4,000 additional seasonal workers, many of whom are high school and college students. None of the company’s employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Victoria’s Secret parent L Brands is joining the growing list of retailers extending their two-week temporary closings as the coronavirus crisis escalates in the US.

L Brands, which also operates Bath & Body Works, said on Friday that it’s extending its initial March 29th deadline but declined to predict when stores will reopen. It also said it was furloughing most of its store workers, in addition to those who are currently not working in the online business or can’t work from home starting April 5 until further notice. Furloughed workers will continue to receive benefits.

Nordstrom said Wednesday that it would extend its temporary closures in the US and Canada through at least April 5. It also said it would be furloughing a portion of its workforce starting April 5 for the next six weeks. (AP)