Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger has resigned from Gov. Gavin Newsom's COVID-19 economic task force, after tensions over the governor&...
Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger has resigned from Gov. Gavin Newsom's COVID-19 economic task force, after tensions over the governor's refusal to reopen theme parks.
A spokesperson for Disney confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that the executive chairman departed from the group, earlier in the week. The group of business leaders were organized in April in a bid to inject a different perspective besides that of politicians.
'We very much appreciate Mr. Iger's service on the task force and respect his decision to resign,' Ann O'Leary, the governor's chief of staff, said.
Disney CEO Bob Iger resigned from Gov. Gavin Newsom's COVID-19 economic task force, a spokesperson announced
The news comes after Disney announced on Tuesday that it will lay off 28,000 employees across its parks, experiences and products division
The news comes after Disney announced on Tuesday that it will lay off 28,000 employees across its parks, experiences and products division.
Included were employees at Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim.
California employment data shows that the theme park industry includes more than five dozen employers across the state. 10 of those companies employ 1,000 or more people.
It's a struggle for Disney, who has been able to open their Florida parks but have had to leave their California ones shuttered.
Included in the haul are employees at Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim
Advisers for Newsom have said that the state plans to roll out new public health guidelines for theme park openings by the end of the week. Leadership for the business group said on Thursday that the proposed draft falls short of the industry, however.
'While we are aligned on many of the protocols and health and safety requirements, there are many others that need to be modified if they are to lead to a responsible and reasonable amusement park reopening plan,' said Erin Guerrero, executive director of the California Attractions and Parks Association.
'We ask the governor not to finalize guidance for amusement parks before engaging the industry in a more earnest manner, listening to park operators' expertise, and collaborating with the industry on a plan that will allow for amusement parks to reopen responsibly while still keeping the health and safety of park employees and guests a top priority.'
On Thursday, Newsom rejected any notion that he was feeling pressure to allow Disneyland and other amusement parks to resume operations.
'The answer is, unequivocally, no,' Newsom said. 'We are not putting the health and safety of people visiting the state or recreating in the state at the parks at risk.'
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