This weeks initial round comes a few days before the companys annual shareholder meeting on April 3.
Managers have been finalizing details of the new structure during subsequent weeks.
The restructuring comes as the company evaluates a number of strategic options.
Disney CEO Bob IgerGetty Images
An exit seems possible given Igers less-than-rosy commentary lately about the prospects for general-entertainment streaming.
The reduction in staff could be a tonic for Disneys stock, at least in the short term.
While the stock surged after Igers return, it has mostly moved sideways in recent months.
This week, we begin notifying employees whose positions are impacted by the companys workforce reductions.
Leaders will be communicating the news directly to the first group of impacted employees over the next four days.
The difficult reality of many colleagues and friends leaving Disney is not something we take lightly.
Thats part of what makes working at Disney so special.
It also makes it all the more difficult to say goodbye to wonderful people we care about.
I ask for your continued understanding and collaboration during this time.
I want to thank each of you again for all your many achievements here at The Walt Disney Company.
