More workers are being laid off at the Universal Orlando Resort, though the company did not announce how many employees will be affected.

The layoffs were first reported by Spectrum News.

“We continue to manage our business through challenging times and we again have made the difficult decision to reduce our workforce as we position our business for the future,” Universal Orlando spokesperson Tom Schroder said in a statement. “These positions are throughout our organization — but do not include hourly workers. “We continue to be aware of the impact this will have on those affected by this action and we are working to support them through this process.”

While shuttered theme parks in California, like Disneyland, have partially blamed their prolonged closure as a reason for massive layoffs, Universal Orlando illustrates why reopening amid the COVID-19 pandemic is no bulwark against job cuts. 

Wednesday’s announcement marks the fourth round of layoffs at the Universal Orlando Resort since it reopened in June. 

  • On June 23, an unspecified number of employees were laid off. 
  • Another round of unspecified layoffs followed on July 31, along with temporarily closing six attractions in Universal’s two Orlando parks. 
  • 2,306 workers at Universal Orlando’s on-site hotels, operated in a joint venture with Loews Hotels, were laid off in August. 

Additionally, Universal told the state of Florida last month that it was extending furloughs for nearly 5,400 workers, anticipating that the economic impact of the pandemic will stretch into 2021. 

Employers in Orlando’s tourism industry have announced tens of thousands of layoffs so far, including other theme parks such as Disney World and SeaWorld. The Orlando metro area has seen its unemployment rate go from 2.9 percent in February to 11 percent in August.

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