Gannett Furlough Sparks "Scramble" and "Uncertainty"

By: Joe Strupp The standard answer for both Gannett newspaper employees and managers is "it is better than job cuts."

But the announcement Wednesday that most all Gannett employees will be forced to take a week off without pay during the first quarter of 2009 is still hard to take, according to those at the various affected newspapers.

Coming off a recent salary freeze and a 10% workforce cut in late 2008, finding out each employee will lose a week of pay this year -- and be unavailable for work -- is another hit to take.

"People are concerned, but it is certainly better than layoffs," said John Kridelbaugh, vice president of market development and digital at The Indianapolis Star. "We are working through the details and all of the business needs so we can continue to still put out a newspaper and a 24-hour Web site."

Susan Patterson Plank, vice president of marketing for the Des Moines Register, said between her paper, the nearby sister Iowa City Press-Citizen and local Gannett television outlets, some 800 employees are impacted. "Our managers are working through it," she said, offering few details. "It will certainly be a challenge. But it gives us the chance not to have layoffs. For most people that is a good thing."

Laura Rehrmann, Gannett Washington bureau chief, said logistics will be difficult for her staff of four editors and 19 reporters. She has already informed them of a sign-up sheet, but also a tongue-in-cheek directive that no one can take next week off.

"I am resigned that this is what the company needs to do in this economic climate," she said. "We will do it in an orderly fashion so that it will not affect journalism."

She added that "the week of Feb. 15, congress is on a break, so that might be a good time for some of our staff to be out."

Among the details still unresolved is the impact on newspaper unions, particularly the Newspaper Guild. The announcement today from CEO Craig Dubow indicates unions will be asked to participate, but that most contracts do not allow a forced furlough.

Union leaders say initially it is unclear what they will do or have to do.

"The first question everyone is asking is 'can I file for unemployment insurance?'" said Tom Spalding, interim president of The Indianapolis Newspaper Guild. "We are still in scramble mode."

In a memo to members, Spalding wrote: "Your Guild is keenly aware of today's announcement by corporate about one-week, first-quarter 2009 unpaid furloughs. We have already contacted the Newspaper Guild/CWA to get their advice and explore our options, given how it appears to be only mandatory for employees here who are exempt from the contract. Corporate suggests in the memos released at noon that layoffs would be in store for the unit if the union doesn't agree to a furlough."

Bernie Lunzer, president of the national guild office, could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.

Steve Orr, a reporter at the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester, N.Y., seemed resigned to the furlough, union exemption or not. But he said the lack of layoffs is not a great cushion given the recent cutbacks and uncertainty over the rest of 2009.

"Every week seems to bring a new eye-opening experience," he added. "If this obviates the need for layoffs, it is a welcome thing. But we don?t know about next quarter."
**

Earlier we posted the following.

At the Indianapolis Star, Tom Spalding, interim president Indy News Guild 70, sent out the following e-mail to members:

"Your Guild is keenly aware of today's announcement by corporate about one-week, first-quarter 2009 unpaid furloughs. We have already
contacted the Newspaper Guild/CWA to get their advice and explore our
options, given how it appears to be only mandatory for employees here
who are exempt from the contract. Corporate suggests in the memos
released at noon that layoffs would be in store for the unit if the
union doesn't agree to a furlough

"We are in information-seeking mode and will respond to you; in the
meantime, feel free to send us your recommendation as you digest 'what this means.' We're looking into see if there's the possibility of
unemployment benefits or freelance opportunities."

Laura Rehrmann, Managing Editor, Gannett News Service's Washington Bureau, e-mailed to her people:

"If this applies to us, I'll put a furlough signup sheet in REGED.

"We can't have a deserted newsroom, so the whole bureau can't go out the same week. Plus, you may want to figure out whether it's worse for you personally to have a smaller paycheck in February or in March.

"I will mention that Congress is out the week of Feb. 15-21, so we could have a fair number of people out that week without missing a lot of congressional news. (Again, would need some folks here.)

"No, you can't take a furlough week next week.

"Stay tuned."