Marriott International on Wednesday announced that the furloughs and reduced work schedules announced in March and implemented in April because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic will be extended through Oct. 2, 2020. Marriott also is rolling out a "voluntary transition program for on-property and above-property associates in the United States who may choose to leave the company to pursue other opportunities," the company said in a statement. Similar volunteer programs are being considered in other parts of the world.
In addition, "given the company's expectation that prior levels of business will not return until beyond 2021, the company anticipates a significant number of above-property position eliminations later this year," the statement continued. Marriott is not able "at this time to predict how many associates will be affected by these separations or any resulting charges or cost savings," it said.
The statement did not include updates on hotel closings. Last week, several publications noted that the company's Edition Times Square hotel, which opened last year to much fanfare, will close permanently on Aug. 13.
Marriott did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.
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