Pirates announce furloughs of business employees, pay cuts starting June 1

With the baseball season in limbo because of the covid-19 pandemic, Pittsburgh Pirates president Travis Williams announced Thursday afternoon that the ballclub will be instituting furloughs to business operations employees, beginning June 1.

“The impact of the coronavirus has been felt by everyone within our community and our industry. The Pittsburgh Pirates organization is no different,” Williams said in a statement.

“There continues to be a great deal of uncertainty around the 2020 MLB season, and even if games are played at PNC Park, it will likely be without fans. The situation is creating significant and unforeseen consequences for our business, especially with the prospect of no ticket revenue, no revenue sharing and limited television sponsorship revenue. It is equally disappointing as it is devastating.”

Pirates president Travis Williams announces business employee furloughs, starting June 1. No cuts on baseball operations but pay reductions are coming. pic.twitter.com/VmHpseKtp6

— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) May 21, 2020

The job cuts will not affect members of the baseball operations staff, although they will be subject to pay reductions. The team previously stopped contributions to employees’ retirement plans, and members of the executive staff took voluntary pay cuts for the remainder of the calendar year.

Those furloughed will retain their medical, dental and vision benefits, the Pirates said.

“We care deeply about all of our employees and understand the impact this will have on them,” Williams said. “These decisions are very difficult, but are necessary for us to endure this crisis and emerge as strong as possible when we are able to resume normal operations. We look forward to welcoming our employees back to work at that time.”