Mears Transportation Group has laid off dozens of workers at multiple Central Florida locations due to the pandemic’s negative economic impact.
In total, 104 employees were laid off, according to three Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification letters filed with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
According to the Orlando Business Journal, locations affected are;
- Corporate headquarters at 324 W. Gore St.: 74 employees were laid off in rounds on July 16, 27 and 31.
- One Airport Blvd./9202 Jeff Fuqua Blvd. Orlando International Airport: 19 employees were laid off July 31. Affected employees include those who help with the company’s shuttle and taxi operations, as well as the Disney Magical Express service.
- 3840 Vineland Road, Suite 200:11 employees were laid off July 31. Those affected include sales and customer service roles.
The company had 950 employees before the pandemic caused a slowdown of business, Roger Chapin, executive vice president of public affairs for Mears, told Orlando Business Journal. After a statewide stay-at-home order was issued for the month of April, the company furloughed 83% of its workforce.
Regardless of the layoffs, Disney’s Magical Express is still running. However, there is no luggage service, according to Disney World’s website;
“Complimentary airport transportation via Disney’s Magical Express service for Guests arriving and departing from Orlando International Airport is continuing to operate during this period, with some modifications. Beginning July 16, 2020 Disney’s Magical Express service will not be providing luggage delivery service for those arriving to and departing from the airport.
Guests who choose to use Disney’s Magical Express service will be responsible for picking up any of their checked luggage from the airport’s baggage claim area, so that it can be loaded onto the motorcoach to their Disney Resort hotel. Please know that your luggage will travel with you to your Disney Resort hotel.
Luggage assistance will be available at the front of your Disney Resort hotel, including luggage storage and/or transport to the room.
Upon your departure, please ensure your luggage is with you and is loaded onto the motorcoach, so you can check it in with your airline once you reach the airport. The resort airline check-in service will not be offered at this time.
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