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Universal Orlando announces more layoffs

ORLANDO, Fla. — Universal Orlando announced plans to lay off more workers as theme parks continue to struggle because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement, the company wouldn’t say how many jobs were affected, but that none of the layoffs included hourly employees.

WATCH: More than 8,800 part-time Disney cast members laid off, union says

“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. These positions are throughout our organization – but do not include our 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,” a Universal spokesperson said in a statement.

READ: 7K Disney layoffs could mean bleak future for some graduates

Theme park consultant Duncan Dickson says many of the layoffs could come from management or projects that have been put on hold.

“Mostly salaried or management people. My guess is those are likely nonoperational people,” Dickson said.

The layoffs come after Universal announced Oct. 2 that it would be closing its Volcano Bay water park for four months.

READ: SeaWorld says it will permanently lay off some of its furloughed workers

This latest announcement is in addition to last month’s announcement that more than 5,300 employees at Universal theme parks and other properties would be placed on extended furlough.


Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.

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