NEWS: Nearly 840 Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Employees Have Been Furloughed Indefinitely or Terminated

Due to the global pandemic, Universal Orlando, as well as other theme parks in Florida, have furloughed or terminated several of their employees.

Last week, we shared with you that more than 1,000 Universal Orlando Resort hotel employees were set to be laid off. Now, we have an update on that situation.

Universal Studios Orlando reopened its theme parks several months ago. Since that time, Universal Orlando has terminated several of its employees.

Another series of furloughs and layoffs has now occurred affecting the employees of Universal Orlando’s hotels. According to the Orlando Sentinel, about 840 employees from Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Hard Rock Hotel have now been furloughed indefinitely or permanently terminated. Based on the latest notice, some employees at the Hard Rock, Portofino, and Cabana Bay hotels could be furloughed for more than six months, while other employees have already been terminated. Those impacted included room attendants, restaurant servers, chefs, and more.

The Orlando Sentinel notes that a letter was written by Shawn German, Loews’ regional human resources director, to the state of Florida accompanying the loss of these jobs. In the letter, German noted, “Initially, we believed that the pandemic was going to impact our business at the hotel for a short temporary period.” But, coronavirus infection rates grew, both in Florida and throughout the United States, and some travelers flying to Florida have been required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

German noted that both of these circumstances caused “a sudden, dramatic and unexpected reversal in bookings which now makes it clear that the demand for travel, events and hospitality services will take longer than previously anticipated” to rebound to typical levels.

Despite the fact that its attendance levels have started to rebound quicker than Disney World, Universal Orlando has temporarily closed two of its other hotels and has also temporarily closed some of its attractions. But, Universal is not alone. The Orlando Sentinel reports that SeaWorld has not recalled all of its furloughed employees and another hotel chain has laid off thousands of employees. Disney also recently notified its Cast Members that their furlough will likely be extended. 

We’ll keep an eye on this situation as it continues to develop. Be sure to come back for all the latest news.

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