6 Major Ohio Companies Announce Layoffs, Furloughs

CLEVELAND — The economic contractions caused by COVID-19 continue to ripple through Ohio industry. Six major companies announced layoffs and furloughs of Ohio employees this week.

LiveNation, which organizes concerts and other live events, began furloughing employees in Cleveland on April 24. At that time, the company thought the furloughs would last no longer than six months, according to a letter filed with the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.

"We still cannot determine at this time the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business or when government officials will allow the live event industry to resume normal operations," the company said in its letter.

Company officials now expect furloughs to last longer than six months, but does not know when employees may be brought back to work. Officials said they still consider the furloughs temporary, but are allowing government officials to classify workers as "mass layoffs."

The Ritz-Carlton in Cleveland also cited COVID-19 in a letter to the state.

"The crisis’s impact on the industry has been historic, swift and devastating. A careful review of business forecasts shows that challenging business conditions, including, historically low hotel occupancy and mounting event cancellations, will extend into 2021. Based on these forecasts, it has been determined that job eliminations are required," the hotel chain wrote.

Here are all the companies that announced layoffs this week:

• Avis Budget Car, throughout Ohio — 101 employees
• Hyatt Regency, Cincinnati — 61 employees
• LiveNation, Cleveland — 76 employees
• United Airlines, Cleveland — 7 employees
• The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Cleveland — 74 employees
• Kroger, Kenton —115 employees

To see all companies' layoff and furlough announcements, visit the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services website.