Friday was the last day of work for 31 Orlando magic employees who unfortunately were laid off. The amount of the layoffs represents 10% percent of the overall staff and took place due to a “dramatic loss of revenue” caused by the COVID-19, according to reporting from The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Josh Robbins.
Magic CEO Alex Martins confirmed the layoffs in a statement:
“Our business, as well as many others like us, are significantly impacted due to COVID-19. We have had to make some very difficult business decisions in these unprecedented times. Due to this reality we have had to make the very hard decision to evaluate our overall structure, reorganize and reduce our headcount. For an organization like ours, whose mission is centered around our people, and creating the best work environment possible, grounded in family values, this is a very difficult situation to confront, and it will be even more difficult for our colleagues who will be leaving us. Please know that we do not take this decision lightly, and although most difficult for our colleagues that we must say goodbye to, please know that this is a decision that is very difficult for our organization as well. This is not the fault of any specific individual that we must part with today, this decision is purely about becoming more efficient in a post COVID-19 environment, and the requirement to be more efficient in this unknown future that we find ourselves faced with.”
Additionally, sixteen unoccupied positions were also eliminated.
“To those who we must say goodbye to, we have provided very fair severance, health care benefits continuance, outplacement services and wellness consultation,” Martins said. “We thank all those who are leaving us from the bottom of our hearts, for their dedication, work and compassion that they gave to the Magic organization.”
Following the suspension of the season on March 11, team ownership and the players announced a $2 million fund to help the approximately 1,800 hourly workers of the Amway Center.
