Boston Red Sox employees to take pay cuts due to COVID-19

WASHINGTON - The Major League Baseball (MLB) team Boston Red Sox have decided not to lay off or furlough any full-time staff members through the end of the season, but will make pay cuts for those earning over 50,000 US dollars annually, local media reported on Saturday.

The team said nearly 200 employees will be affected, including front-office members, major and minor league managers and coaches, scouts, player development staff and those in charge of the team's business operations.

According to local reports, Sox employees with earnings of 50,000 to 99,999 US dollars will have a pay cut by 20 percent, wages from 100,000 to 499,999 US dollars will be reduced by 25 percent while earnings over 500,000 US dollars will be reduced by 30 percent. The cuts will take effect at the start of June and run through December 31.

The MLB season was suspended by the COVID-19 crisis, with the league trying to resume play this summer. Some MLB teams had earlier announced layoffs and furloughs, with scouts and player development officials particularly affected. Other teams have committed to full pay for their employees through the season.