ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — More than 8,800 part-time Walt Disney World cast members will be laid off, union UNITE HERE Local 737 announced Wednesday.
On Sept. 29, the union was notified that the employment status of 5,299 full-time and 8,857 part-time cast members would be changing from furlough to layoff.
READ: Universal Orlando announces more layoffs
The layoffs are a result of the parks' low attendance and occupancy, which have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, the union said.
These layoffs are coming at a time when so many people are already in need.
READ: SeaWorld says it will permanently lay off some of its furloughed workers
For many, the struggle to pay the bills is getting even more challenging with the layoffs. But a growing community of support is trying to help keep people afloat.
READ: Coronavirus: Alabama man gets lifetime Walt Disney World ban for lockdown break-in
But there are a lot of resources out there to help.
Here’s a list of links and resources:
Donate via Venmo: @castmemberpantry
Venmo: @magic-for-magic-makers
TikTok: @magicformagicmakers
To help all those unemployed in Central Florida fight food insecurity: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Cox Media Group
