Tens of thousands of cinema employees will lose their jobs as Regal Cinemas might shut down all its 543 theaters across the United States, following its parent company Cineworld's announcement on Twitter that it will close down all its 128 in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

(Photo : Edwin Hooper/Unsplash)
Postponed big blockbusters release due to pandemic

Cineworld tweeted on Sunday, October 4 that it was considering to temporarily closing all its UK and US cinemas, although "a final decision has not yet been reached." The company said that it will immediately update all its employees and customers "once a decision has been made."

We can confirm we are considering the temporary closure of our U.K. and US cinemas, but a final decision has not yet been reached. Once a decision has been made we will update all staff and customers as soon as we can. — Cineworld Cinemas (@cineworld) October 4, 2020

However, netizens slammed the company's Twitter announcement, which surprised all employees who only found out about the firm's plans via social media and the press.Jon Dexter replied Cineworld's tweet saying that the company's treatment of its employees is "appalling."

The fact staff found out via the press rather than yourselves first is abhorrent. How Cineworld has treated its staff throughout has been appalling — Jon Dexter (@JonMDexter) October 4, 2020

The Sunday Times  reported that the world's second largest cinema firm was planning to temporary close down all of its 128 U.K. and Ireland cinemas, which would put the jobs of around 5,500 staff at risk. However, if the larger number of Royal Cinemas U.S. theaters will also close down, tens of thousands may lose their jobs.

After AMC, Regal is the second-largest theater chain in the U.S with 14 cinemas in Los Angeles County and 13 in Orange County. Due to the pandemic, indoor movie theaters in Los Angeles are closed indefinitely while those in Orange County have reopened last month, including several Regal cinemas, but with limited capacity and other added health protocols.

Postponed big blockbusters release

It was reported that Cineworld chiefs blamed decision on the rescheduled release of big budget Hollywood films. Producers of the new James Bond movie 'No Time to Die' have announced the postponement of the film's release until April 2, 2021 while 'F9,' the highly-anticipated sequel of the Fast and Furious franchise, was already moved for release on May 28, 2021. Both films have already been delayed twice due to coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, while Disney announced last month that its live-action version of Mulan instead debut on its streaming service Disney Plus instead of a theatrical release. Cineworld's decision will only be temporary as it plans to reopen next year in time for the opening of these big blockbusters. However, this suggests that numerous staff will be offered redundancy while they may still rejoin the company before its cinemas reopen.

Staff found out the company's decision via Twitter

A staff slammed the company for not advising its employees about the closure plans before it was reported in the media. One Twitter user said" "Been with Cineworld for 12 years, to find out I've not got a job via Twitter; once again; is damn appalling."

Another user who felt 'betrayed' agreed and said: "Shocking staff advised of this from reports in the press." Users also hope the decision to close is not yet final. As Marcus tweeted: "'Considering' so you saying it may not temporarily closed after all?"

“Considering” so you saying it may not temporarily closed after all? — Marcus (@Marcus_Gomezz) October 4, 2020

Meanwhile, Twitter user James Kilpatrick said they have "no problem continuing to pay monthly unlimited subscription" if it would help people keep their jobs, although he noted the company would "need a lot of unlimited members to do the same." Another user agreed and vowed to do the same. Kaz Lees suggested highlighting the perks to encourage more people to get unlimited subscription. "Just been to see the new mutants in Basildon cineworld, All the staff so friendly and polite a real shame if they lose their jobs," he tweeted.

I have no problem continuing to pay monthly unlimited subscription if it help keep people in employment. Obviously you would need lots of other unlimited members to do the same but I’m good with that — James kilpatrick (@J_R_KILPATRICK) October 4, 2020

Another user advised the company not to "underestimate the positive impact" the cinemas bring to people. "Even showing a mix of low budget and classic movies, you're giving a sense of normality and escapism in the most bleak of times," Twitter user Graham added.

Don't underestimate the positive impact your cinemas being open has on people. Even showing a mix of low budget and classic movies, you're giving a sense of normality and escapism in the most bleak of times. — Graham (@Grazamundo) October 4, 2020

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Written by CJ Robles