Calgary Flames announce temporary layoffs to 50% of staff

Half of all full-time employees of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC) will be laid off temporarily, the Calgary Flames announced today.

Effective April 13, 150 employees, representing approximately 50% of staff, will begin a 60-day temporary layoff. The other half of staff will receive salary rollbacks ranging from 10-25%, with the biggest reductions saved for staff with the highest salary levels.

Laid-off employees will receive a Supplemental Unemployment Benefit plan from Service Canada, which will enable CSEC to provide Employment Insurance top-up payment. CSEC will also continue to provide health and dental benefits during the temporary layoff, the team said.

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“The health and safety of our employees, fans, customers and the general public remain our top priorities,” said CSEC President and CEO John Bean. “Postponing all events at the Scotiabank Saddledome and implementing a ‘work from home’ program, for a business that is 100% dependent upon staging events, are the steps necessary to ensure we remain focused on those top priorities.”

The NHL “paused” its season on March 12 and hopes to continue sometime this spring or summer, but even the possibility of that plan is in doubt.

“We are working extremely hard to limit the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on our employees. The implementation of this cost reduction plan will provide predictability of income to our staff while minimizing the negative impact on their financial health and that of the business.”

“We want to stress the temporary nature of these layoffs. The remaining staff, on reduced compensation, have been retained to navigate this crisis and help us prepare for eventual recovery and the return to work of their colleagues. We are so grateful for the dedication, work ethic, understanding and patience of all our employees throughout this difficult situation.”