Disney has just announced that it will begin to furlough employees beginning April 19th.

Disney employees to be furloughed include executive, salaried and non-union hourly Cast Members based in the U.S.

Employees impacted by the furlough will remain Disney employees and they will receive full healthcare benefits, plus the cost of employee and company premiums will be paid by Disney, and those enrolled in Disney aspire will have continued access to the education program. Additionally, employees with available paid time off can elect to use some or all of it at the start of the furlough period, and, once furloughed, they are eligible to receive an extra $600 per week in federal compensation.

Here’s the full statement, as first reported by Scott Gustin:

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on our world with untold suffering and loss, and has required all of us to make sacrifices. Over the last few weeks, mandatory decrees from government officials have shut down a majority of our businesses. Disney employees have received full pay and benefits during this time, and we’ve committed to paying them through April 18, for a total of five additional weeks of compensation. However, with no clear indication of when we can restart our businesses, we’re forced to make the difficult decision to take the next step and furlough employees whose jobs aren’t necessary at this time. The furlough process will begin on April 19, and all impacted workers will remain Disney employees through the duration of the furlough period. They will receive full healthcare benefits, plus the cost of employee and company premiums will be paid by Disney, and those enrolled in Disney Aspire will have continued access to the education program. Additionally, employees with available paid time off can elect to use some or all of it at the start of the furlough period and, once furloughed, they are eligible to receive an extra $600 per week in federal compensation through the $2 trillion economic stimulus bill, as well as state unemployment insurance.

BREAKING: Disney announces a temporary, short-term furlough impacting executive, salaried and non-union hourly Cast Members based in the U.S.



Disney will maintain health and insurance benefits coverage, paying both employer and employee contributions.



Statement: pic.twitter.com/Ilg8U9GHLm — Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 2, 2020

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com for the latest Disney Parks news and photos. We’ll continue to bring you news and photos, where possible, through the Disney Parks closure due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will resume our normal coverage once the parks reopen to guests on July 11th!