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The newsroom guild at the Daily News has gotten the word about Friday's latest round of reductions — and asked its members to voluntarily reduce their hours in order to save jobs. There's just 12 Metro reporters left, I'm told by a staffer, and on Friday there is scheduled to be five people laid off who are represented by the guild (not necessarily reporters) plus at least one manager. The guild note to staffers says that at least one manager has resigned and two other staffers accepted buyouts — and says it's almost certain that the paper will cut the pay of everyone who remains. Note after the jump.
This is the latest we've been able to get out of management.
As mentioned earlier, the newsroom budget is getting cut by 15 percent. We're still trying to get the full dollar amount so we can track their cuts and so-called savings, but for Guild employees, that means staff cuts amounting to $307,000.
For now, five guild members will be laid off Friday. There will be at least one layoff in management. Four managers will be stripped of their management duties, their pay will be cut and they will be placed in the bargaining unit.
Upon learning this, at least one manager has decided not to continue at the Daily News.
As a result of the lay off notices, two Guild members have agreed to buyouts.
Senior H.R. representative Jim Janiga said the company is willing to accept volunteers who will work fewer hours to create some financial savings.
If any members volunteer to work fewer hours, they will still be considered a full-time employee with full-time health care benefits and will be exempt from any future wage reductions.
Volunteers would work between four and 16 hours less per week. Of course, we're waiting to get this in writing. All volunteers are subject to management's approval and they have already said there are some beats that cannot afford part-time coverage
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And yes, given the fore mentioned agreement, it is all but certain that wage cuts will be implemented at the Daily News. There is no timeline yet, but Janiga told us a scale for tiered-cuts is being created.
Most importantly, if enough members volunteer to reduce their hours, we might be able to bring back someone that is laid off, if not prevent a lay off Friday.
So please, consider volunteering to reduce your hours. Guild officials are calculating different scenarios to find an equitable solution to save a job or two.
Please contact Guild stewards Steve Rosenberg, George Sanchez or Guild representative Vicki DiPaolo if you have questions or would be willing to volunteer.
Gracias.