At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, former employees say losing their jobs during the pandemic has created problems for them.
The Aquarium closed its doors in March and employees at the nonprofit were told to work from home. Now, after months of delay, many never expect to return to their offices.
In April the aquarium announced that 93 employees were being laid off and another 128 would be furloughed. On Tuesday 81 of those furloughed employees were permanently laid off.
The future ocean policy implications of the aquarium layoffs are unclear.
Executive leadership at the aquarium has already taken a 20 percent pay cut and all employees making more than $100,000 a year are taking a 10 percent reduction in pay. The Aquarium has also agreed to pay health benefits through September.
Animals at the Aquarium are still being cared for, but the non-profit is asking for donations to help.
