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UPDATED: 3:45 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The 76ers have made a 180.
Within 24 hours, the organization reversed a decision to temporarily cut salaries up to 20% of some full-time employees. The organization said the cuts were meant to help pay its 1,500 hourly workers through the season amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, owner Joshua Harris said: "After listening to our staff and players, it’s clear that was the wrong decision. We have reversed it and will be paying these employees their full salaries."
I’m a strong believer when you get something wrong, we must learn from it and fix it! That’s exactly what happened here!! Truly appreciate everyone’s feedback – it was helpful. Now let’s beat COVID-19 so can we get back to some level of a normal life … and playing basketballl!! https://t.co/XTtDgwt8OJ
— Michael Rubin (@MichaelGRubin)
March 24, 2020 Initially, the pay reduction was reportedly for employees who make $50,000 or more, and the cuts would have been up to 20%. This temporary change also involved moving to a four-day work week, all to avoid layoffs.
The New York Times first reported the story, and it was later confirmed in a statement by Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment CEO Scott O’Neil. HBSE is the company that owns the Sixers and New Jersey Devils.
This is the statement from HBSE CEO Scott O’Neil about the #Sixers and #Devils asking some full-time employees to take a pay cut during this crisis. pic.twitter.com/nB9WzJaAxm
— Dave Uram (@MrUram)
March 24, 2020 Devils employees were asked to take part in the same program.
The paycut news received a lot of blowback on social media.
The reversal decision comes after it was reported that Sixers star Joel Embiid said he will donate $500,000 toward COVID-19 medical relief and to help team employees hurt by the pay cut.
In these trying times, I’m proud of the Sixers organization for reversing course and “doing a 180”. Let’s focus on beating this Coronavirus now. Let’s be responsible and Trust the Process!!
— Joel “Do a 180” Embiid??? (@JoelEmbiid)
March 24, 2020 ___
KYW Newsradio's Matt Leon contributed to this report.
