CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians have issued a WARN act notice for layoffs to seasonal employees, the team confirmed to 3News on Tuesday.
In a statement, the Indians said: "In compliance with federal law and guidance, we sent today’s WARN act notices to members of our seasonal staff who may not be eligible to work games until we have further clarification on many uncertain issues, including when fans can attend."
According to Karen Kasler of statenews.org, the layoffs are expected to affect 1,146 employees.
In March, MLB delayed the start of its 2020 season indefinitely due to concerns regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In the time since, the league and its players have engaged in negotiations to get back on the field, although it currently appears unlikely that any agreement would include fans returning to stadiums for home games this year.
Earlier this week, the MLB Players' Union reportedly issued a counter-proposal calling for a 114-game season, which would begin on June 30 and end on Oct. 31. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the league is considering countering with a shorter season in the 50-game range that would begin in July and paying the players their full prorated salaries, which had previously been a point of contention in negotiations.