Just weeks after opening for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, Universal Orlando has announced that it would need to lay off some of its theme park employees.

The statement did not disclose any details regarding exactly how many staff members would lose their jobs or from which parks they worked.

Official Statement by Universal Spokesman, Tom Schroder

“We are working to structure and strengthen our business for the future in anticipation of the tourism industry taking time to fully recover. In that regard, we have already taken important steps such as adjusting budgets and implementing salary reductions and furloughs. Most recently, we have made the difficult decision to reduce our Parks & Resorts workforce across multiple locations and business units. This decision was not made lightly but was necessary to prepare us for the future. We are aware of the impact this will have on those affected by this reduction and their families, and we are working to support them through this process. This includes severance pay, subsidized health benefits and professional reemployment assistance.”

After having been closed since mid-March, the parks finally reopened on June 5th, 2020. Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Island of Adventure have been operating with limited capacity, while Volcano Bay has reportedly reached capacity over the past several weekends. Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure’s low crowds are no doubt due to the aftermath of COVID-19. It is no shock that the theme park industry will take some much-needed time to recover.

Universal has already temporarily put a halt to construction on Epic Universal, the fourth gate of Universal Orlando.

In addition, the company announced earlier on Tuesday that it would be holding a merchandise sale for annual pass holders and team members next month.

Universal Orlando Resort opted to keep many of its Team Members employed at a 20% pay reduction throughout the closures in lieu of mass furloughs. In May, it furloughed its part-time Team Members due to the ongoing closures.