Space Needle lays off front line, administrative staff as it's clear the icon will remain closed
The Space Needle laid off more of its front line and administrative staff Friday, as the tourist attraction prepares for a “prolonged” closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak, said Karen Olson, chief operating officer.
The Space Needle first began laying off elevator operators, ticket sellers and valet drivers last weekend.
“I know hundreds of businesses are doing what we’re doing, but it’s heartbreaking,” Olson said. “They’re family.”
The icon had remained open for tourists and locals through March 12, when Gov. Jay Inslee prohibited public gatherings of more than 50 people.
At that time, Olson said Space Needle staff were told to go home but were given pay throughout the month. As it became clear the Space Needle would likely be closed longer than through the end of the month, Space Needle executives began making cuts.
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2020/03/27/space-needle-lays-off-front-administrative-staff.html?ana=e_ae_prem&j=90501945&t=Afternoon&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiT1dFNU1HTmhOVGRpTlRreiIsInQiOiJlOVhVZkc0elJKVWhsemtyZGoyajhFNTgwcUNUdzZNaHpidUtYd3hlOFU4QkpxN0RqT2lrdXFWRlJJMldXdlpJd21HbUh0eUIzV3UwTGlkZnpaWTJyamtBNHNlNzhYNW16WndaUVZKT3B5RThYZ05jbUk1c2ZwUDFPUDJuWmdhcyJ9