By: The Burlington Free Press is laying off six people, officials said.
The six, from throughout the company, were notified Monday.
"The layoffs are a result of economic trends that are impacting advertising revenues. Unfortunately, we anticipate these trends to continue through 2008," the newspaper said in a prepared statement issued by Executive Editor Mike Townsend.
"Currently there are 213 employees at the Burlington Free Press. Although the six employees represent less than 3 percent of our employee base, we are cognizant of the financial and emotional impact of this decision," the statement said.
The workers will get a week of pay for each year of service, with a minimum two-week severance benefit. Medical benefits will continue for the length of the severance period.
On Thursday, owner Gannett Co. (nyse: GCI - news - people ) announced plans to eliminate 1,000 jobs, including 600 layoffs, across its newspaper operations. The company said 400 jobs would be eliminated through attrition and leaving vacant posts unfilled.
"I was blind sided," said columnist Ed Shamy, 50, who was among the layoffs. "I didn't see it coming. I guess, given the state of the newspaper industry, I should have or could have, though you rarely personalize those kind of events, as a reporter.
"I'm just extremely grateful to the many Vermonters who didn't always agree with me but paid attention to me. I'm really flattered," he said.
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