Many Walt Disney World Actors’ Equity performers have been laid off from popular shows. Now the Actors’ Equity Association has released a statement regarding the almost 720 members that have been laid off. Leaving only 60 still working.
The Actor’s Equity Association has just released a statement after “signing a memorandum of understanding with Walt Disney World regarding layoffs of most of their Equity member employees.
Here’s their statement:
“Our hearts go out to all the cast members at Walt Disney World,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association. “Disney has made it clear that our members would face work reductions since they announced layoffs of nearly 28,000 employees. That does not make this news any less painful. These reductions are another tragic reminder that until the virus is brought under control with a national strategy for masks, testing and contact tracing, everyone who works in the arts needs help like extended pandemic unemployment insurance and federal COBRA health insurance subsidies.”
Before the pandemic, about 780 Equity members were employed at Walt Disney World, either full time, part time or seasonally. About 60 are currently working or about to return to work in the park. About 720 Equity member workers have now been laid off. According to the new MOU with Disney, these laid-off members maintain recall rights until the end of 2021.”
So yes, those actors have been laid off from the Walt Disney World shows. This was part of the 28,000 announced layoffs that were coming. But that’s around 92-93% of the Actors’ Equity Cast Members.
They had to fight so hard to return to work when Walt Disney World and Actors’ Equity were at odds over safety procedures and testing of the members.
So again, it’s the same price, but they keep cutting what make it special.
Yet they have all that money for executives, projects, updates, ‘Avatar’ sequels, etc. They keep adding Park Pass availability too.
I hope the performers get to return soon.
What do you think? Comment and let us know.
Source: Actors’ Equity, a CFTV viewer
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