By: E&P Staff The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer is eliminating its circulation telemarketing efforts and laying off the department's 13 part-time employees, Publisher Ann Caulkins said in a memo to staffers Monday.
Caulkins said The McClatchy Co.-owned paper is also offering "limited, one-time voluntary separation program where we have the opportunity to streamline, transfer or consolidate job functions."
She said an unspecified number of buyouts will be offered at various and also unspecified workgroups: "There are limits on both the number of employees who will be offered this package and on the number of voluntary elections we can accept."
Both actions will have the effect of reducing headcount by fewer than 5% of all Observer full-time equivalents.
"We regret that we must say goodbye to some trusted and valued colleagues," Caulkins said. "We are all indebted to them for their service to The Observer. But for the long-term future of the company, it is important that we respond to current market conditions."
The paper has no other plans to reduce staff, she added.
In telemarketing, all positions will be eliminated except for those that focus on retention and collection, Caulkins added. The 13 part-timers will be eligible for severance packages.
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