Beyond the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic delaying the start of the 2020 Major League Baseball season, it has also created a world of uncertainty for not only the sport but society as a whole.
All 30 MLB teams took action last month by agreeing to pledge $1 million each. The Los Angeles Dodgers followed that by establishing a $1.3 million fund to provide financial assistance to impacted Dodger Stadium employees.
The team recently outlined event staff, concessions, parking, cleaning personnel employed by third-party contractors, and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation event staff were among those eligible for the relief program.
On the heels of that, the team informed employees they would receive full pay at least through May, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
The Dodgers have notified non-playing team employees that they will continue to be paid through May even as the sport’s return remains a mystery.
With MLB commissioner Rob Manfred reportedly suspending uniform employee contracts (UEC) at the beginning of the week, it allowed teams to potentially furlough employees or implement pay cuts.
The Dodgers joined a group that includes nearly all clubs who have committed to paying employees for at least the next six weeks. The San Diego Padres informed their organizational staff pay will continue for the entire 2020 season, regardless of how many games are lost.
With teams having made financial commitments, the next step could come in addressing tickets. MLB, all 30 teams, StubHub and Ticketmaster, among others, were recently named in a lawsuit from fans seeking refunds.
Although Manfred has attempted to temper expectations, the league is believed to be involved in active discussions on when and how to begin the regular season. Three prominent plans have leaked thus far: all teams playing in Arizona; division realignment using the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues; and Arizona, Florida and Texas serving as hubs.
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten noted that although multiple proposals became public, the league and teams have discussed countless more scenarios.
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