By: Joe Strupp Soon after Tribune Company's announcement today that it would slash up to 500 jobs companywide, employees at several of the chain's newspapers received details of job-cutting plans through a series of memos detailing the bad news.
The memos were first posted on the Poynter.org Romenesko Web site.
At the Hartford Courant, workers were told that "advertising revenue is currently down 14% from last year, losses are across the board with the greatest declines in our national and classified businesses. Our Advertising department is doing everything they can to turn this situation around."
As a result, the memo revealed the paper "will be offering voluntary separation plans and if necessary involuntary plans" expected to cut 45 positions across the company.
"Eligible employees for the voluntary program will receive written explanation early next week. They will have until February 29th to apply. If selected they will leave no later than March 31, 2008."
At The Sun of Baltimore, the same 45-job cut figure was noted in a memo from publisher Tim Ryan to employees.
"The economy may not yet be in a recession, but it's clearly on the way, and in the news business, we are feeling it now," he wrote, in part. "To keep our business strong despite these difficult circumstances, the Baltimore Sun Media Group is announcing a new voluntary buy-out program. Our goal is to reduce the size of our workforce by about 45 positions, spread across the company.
"Our plan is for department managers to notify employees who are eligible for this buy-out program by Friday," he added. "and direct them to Human Resources for further details."
And at the flagship Chicago Tribune, Publisher Scott C. Smith revealed plans to trim 100 jobs throughout the Chicago Tribune Media Group.
"Staff reductions of approximately 100 positions across Chicago Tribune Media Group will be necessary, about 3.5% of total current employees," his memo stated. "We will accomplish these reductions by March 31 through a combination of voluntary and involuntary separation programs. Organization changes will occur in many areas based on our customer, growth and efficiency priorities."
"We will defer implementing any merit increases due between now and March 31 while we work through these organizational changes," Smith continued. "Merit increases for our ongoing employee group will then be made retroactive to the review dates based on responsibilities and performance. Our goal is to achieve appropriate market and merit-based pay for everyone committed to our future."
RelatedTribune Co. Will Cut Up to 500 JobsTribune Replaces Interactive Division HeadTribune Co. Names New Real Estate Director
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here