3 Ohio Companies Announce Mass Layoffs, Furloughs This Week

COLUMBUS, OH — The economic contraction created by COVID-19 continues to cause layoffs and furloughs in Ohio.

This week, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) announced it was extending the temporary layoffs of 177 employees. The science museum, popular with families and schools, filed a letter with the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services this week discussing the decision to extend the layoffs.

The museum began temporary layoffs in April. COSI officials believed workers would return by October, but now doubt such a return will occur. However, according to the letter, the layoffs are still temporary.

"If business conditions change, which will impact these temporary actions, employees will be promptly notified of any change. Change is possible given the ongoing and unpredictable constraints of COVID-19," wrote Stephen White, the vice president of external affairs.

When layoffs first began at COSI, museum leaders said they were devastated by the consequences of the virus.

“The situation created by the COVID-19 crisis is devastating. Last year, COSI engaged over 1.2 million onsite and offsite guests, and delivered the largest science education event in Ohio history - the COSI Science Festival,” said COSI CEO Frederic Bertley. “COSI was on track to finish our fiscal year with a balanced budget, and much like 2019, we were expecting record attendance. In fact, just a few weeks ago our team was celebrating being voted the number one science museum in the country. Now, we face the same unprecedented crisis that is confronting museums and businesses all over America. I am fraught with sadness for our fantastic Team Members who make COSI the great institution that it is, and are now the latest individuals impacted by this unforgiving pandemic.”

Here are all the companies that announced layoffs, furloughs or extended layoffs this week:

• JSW Steel USA Ohio — 160 impacted workers
• Center of Science and Industry (COSI) — 177 impacted workers
• Reisenfeld & Associates — 69 impacted workers