It is unknown when Illitch venues such as Little Caesar's Arena will re-openGETTY IMAGES
Ilitch Holdings, Inc., is "going through the process of furloughing and eliminating positions on the business operations sides" of the Tigers, Red Wings and "its other entertainment venues," according to Evan Petzold of the DETROIT FREE PRESS. The company yesterday "notified employees." Furloughed employees "will still receive full benefits, including medical insurance." The baseball and hockey operations side of the Tigers and Red Wings "will not be impacted," as this will "only affect the business side of Ilitch's sports and entertainment empire." Ilitch Holdings Sports & Entertainment President Chris Granger said that he "does not know when Ilitch Holdings' venues will reopen," and he "isn't sure when spectators -- even in a limited capacity -- will be able to return to Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park and the Fox Theatre." Granger said when venues reopen, Ilitch Holdings will be "ramping up our business operations." He "did not clarify if whether employees impacted by Wednesday's layoffs will be eligible to return" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 10/1). Ilitch Holdings "declined to say how many employees are affected." In Detroit, Chris McCosky notes "many of the affected employees have had their workloads dramatically reduced since the shutdown in mid-March" (DETROIT NEWS, 10/1).
OSEG LAYING OFF STAFF: In Ottawa, Tim Baines reports Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group has "'terminated' 40 per cent of its business operations staff." Six months ago, OSEG, the parent company of the CFL Ottawa Redblacks and OHL Ottawa 67’s, put in "across-the-board 20 per cent wage rollbacks which allowed the company to avoid layoffs at the time." Employees will "receive a continuation of salary at 100 per cent at least until the end of November -- or more for those with longer tenure," and "health and dental benefits will be offered until the end of this calendar year." The moves "do not affect the hockey and football operations side" of OSEG (OTTAWA SUN, 10/1).
