ORLANDO, Fla. — Some workers at SeaWorld Orlando who were furloughed because of the coronavirus pandemic said they are confused and frustrated after seeing what appeared to be their jobs posted as open while they are waiting to be called back.
Channel 9 reported earlier this week about a retail manager still without work who said he saw his position posted online.
SeaWorld Orlando furloughed employee concerned after seeing similar job opening online
Since then, other park workers have claimed seeing the same thing,
The mother of a mechanic, who said her son has been with SeaWorld more than 10 years, saw what appears to be his job posted while he’s still out of work.
CEO Marc Swanson told Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday that employees called back from furlough have made the reopening a success.
As they came back I’m really proud of the team that we have,” Swanson said. “They’ve come back and really embraced the new operating environment, the new way forward.”
But for other furloughed employees, “the new way forward,” so far, doesn’t look too good.
Inside look at Central Florida theme park deemed ‘not in compliance’ by coronavirus task force
“Right now, I just really don’t understand why they’re not calling back furloughed employees when there’s jobs available,” said Will Grant who saw what appeared to be his job posted as open on SeaWorld’s website.
Other employees have reached out, including laid off character performers who saw their jobs posted and said they even had to re-audition.
Attorney Mike Grossman, who specializes in employment cases, said in Florida furloughed employees are in a tough spot as at-will employees.
Photos: Combing through the damage Hurricane Laura left behind
Grossman said of course, employers can’t discriminate against workers and cut their jobs.
SeaWorld officials said earlier in the week that it continues to monitor the situation and will bring back employees when the parks can increase capacity.
Cox Media Group
