The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex furloughs 78 of its 127 full time employees for 60 days beginning today.
CEO and director Tad Snider sent this statement to AL.com:
"The BJCC values our entire team and the work that each employee contributes to the success of our operations. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has taken a huge toll on every entertainment and convention venue in the U.S., and the BJCC is no exception. All of our events in the foreseeable future have been postponed, rescheduled or canceled outright, and there’s no way to predict at this point when our business will resume.
“As a result, we were forced to make the difficult decision to furlough 78 of our 127 full-time employees for 60 days. We know that people are foundational to the success of any organization, and no organization faces these types of decisions lightly. We are doing what we can to make this easier for our employees. We will continue to pay their health, dental and long-term disability insurance during this period, and our goal is to recall everyone to work as quickly and responsibly as possible. We look forward to the day when we can recall all of our team and return the BJCC to normal operation.”
Last week, BJCC officials and officials with Brasfield & Gorrie said the construction of Protective Stadium will continue as planned. The renovation of Legacy Arena is also set to continue, officials said.
Earlier Tuesday, American Cast Iron Pipe and Iron Company announced it plans to lay off 65 employees at its Birmingham plant effective April 10.
More than 60,000 Alabama workers filed for unemployment last week.