Money: Universal extends closure through May.

Universal extends its shutdown, aims to cut pay for many to 80%

Universal Orlando has extended the coronavirus shutdown of its theme parks and hotels through “at least” May 31, and it will cut many of its employees pay to 80 percent of their normal amount, the resort said Thursday.

It will furlough its part-time hourly workers effective May 3, it said.

As previously announced, Universal will pay its workers 100 percent of their pay through April 19. Then on April 20, the wages of executives, salaried and hourly staff will be decreased by 20 percent.

“We will ask everyone to adjust their work accordingly,” Universal Orlando Chairman and CEO Tom Williams announced.

“This is temporary, of course, until we are through this,” he said of the decrease in pay.

Benefits will be unchanged and continue in full, Williams said.

The extended closure applies to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay water park, Universal CityWalk shopping and entertainment district and the resort’s on-property hotels.

“There will be a day when we are open again and entertaining guests,” Williams said. “And I look forward to celebrating that day with you.”

The previous official end date for Universal Orlando’s closure was through April 19. The change brings the resort more in line with other attractions, many of which have taken a “until further notice” approach to its shutdowns.

Being closed through May 31 would mean missing the business of the Memorial Day weekend, an unofficial launching point of summer. Walt Disney World has notified some employees that they will be furloughed as of April 19. In late March, SeaWorld announced it was furloughing 90 percent of its workers.

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“There will be a day when we are open again and entertaining guests. And I look forward to celebrating that day with you.” Tom Williams, Universal Orlando chairman and CEO

JOE BURBANK/ORLANDO SENTINEL Universal Boulevard was deserted last week as the theme parks and hotels remain closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

JOE BURBANK/ORLANDO SENTINEL ABOVE: A guard is posted at the parking turnstile to Universal Orlando on March 17. The theme park has extended its shutdown through “at least” May 31.