Mass Layoffs At Mystic Seaport Museum

MYSTIC, CT — Mystic Seaport Museum Inc. will lay off 199 employees, 68 of whom are full-time workers, according to a filing with the Connecticut Department of Labor. The layoffs will take effect April 1.

The pandemic has "crippled the Museum's business," according to the document.

"These layoffs should be considered permanent, as we cannot estimate when the Museum will reopen and when we will need to increase staffing levels," the document reads. "Notice was given as soon as possible due to the unforeseen circumstances of a loss of business due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the National Emergency declared by the President of the United States, the state of emergency declared by the Governor of Connecticut and the various state orders and recommendations designed to help contain the spread of COVID-19."

Mystic Seaport Museum Inc. is not part of a union, meaning that bumping rights, which would allow employees to be relocated, do not exist.

The museum closed to the public and canceled upcoming events as of March 13. However, the museum's digital resources remain available.