The person affected urged the Government to “enforce” the restrictive measures so that he and his colleagues can demand that social distancing be respected in their work.
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An employee of the American professional wrestling company WWE in Orange County (Orlando, Florida), says he has been forced to work despite the restrictions and quarantine in force in the United States. due to covid-19.
In a letter read This Tuesday by the county mayor, Jerry L. Demings, the worker, who identified himself under the pseudonym ‘John’, stated that he had to make television recordings and that he feels he could be fired for expressing his opinion in front of his superiors .
“[La WWE] He is forcing me to work on television recordings for weekly programs despite orders to stay home because of the coronavirus, “reads his message.
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John stated that, despite the precautions that are followed, social isolation and the rule of “not touching other people” are not maintained in his work environment. In such a situation, the employee called on the government to close these recordings and “enforce” the restrictive measures so that he and his colleagues can demand that the distance be respected “without fear of losing” their jobs.
However, such claims have been denied by WWE. According to a message From WrestleVotes, the company “has not forced anyone to work during this time.” At the same time, local journalists report that several people have seen workers near the company’s filming facilities “who do not practice social distancing.”
I just spoke w / owners of 2 businesses near one of @WWE Orlando filming facilities. One owner is very concerned- says he’s seen employees not practice social distancing. Other owner telling me everyone’s trying to make a living. He’s ok w / shows- as long as they don’t go near him. pic.twitter.com/ZsfDA2ddcn
– Stephanie Coueignoux (@StephanieCNews) April 21, 2020
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WWE: an essential service in Florida
Initially, WWE had been classified as a “non-essential” business in Orange County, but on April 9 a executive order Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared entertainment companies as essential services in that state. That has allowed the company to continue recording and broadcasting its events, including under the one-month quarantine order that was announced by DeSantis on April 1.
However, the decision has raised serious questions, mainly after WWE on April 11 will confirm the first case of coronavirus among its employees.
On the other hand, the defense of wrestling in that territory is thought to be due to political issues. According to the chain CNBCWWE President Vince McMahon is a close friend of US President Donald Trump. In addition, his wife, Linda McMahon, served within the government agency Small Business Administration between 2017 and 2019 and currently leads a political action committee on behalf of Trump. The same day that sport was declared essential, that organization compromised about $ 18 million to spend in Florida.
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