Macy’s to furlough majority of its 130,000 workers

Macy's will furlough a majority of its 130,000 workers with its stores dark.

A cyclist passes Macy's in Herald Square, Monday, March 23, 2020, in New York. Macy's stores nationwide are closed due to the coronavirus. (Mark Lennihan/AP Photo)

A cyclist passes Macy's in Herald Square, Monday, March 23, 2020, in New York. Macy's stores nationwide are closed due to the coronavirus. (Mark Lennihan/AP Photo)

Macy’s will furlough a majority of its 130,000 workers with its stores dark.

The company on Monday said it is transitioning to an ‘’absolute minimum workforce” needed to maintain basic operations.

Online operations won’t be hit as hard.

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Employees who are enrolled in health benefits will continue to receive coverage with the company covering 100% of the premium.

“We expect to bring colleagues back on a staggered basis as business resumes,” the company said.

Macy’s closed all of its stores this month, more than 500, as the coronavirus spread.

To survive, it has suspended its dividend, drawn down its line of credit, frozen hiring and spending, and cancelled orders. Macy’s is now evaluating all financing options.

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