CHRONICLE STAFF CUTS

Layoffs burn through Chronicle

At least 25 jobs -- more to be told on Friday

07 May 2009

Media Workers Guild

About 25 members of The Guild's San Francisco Chronicle Unit were notified Thursday by management that they are being laid off.

More layoffs will be announced on Friday, company officials said. They have not yet indicated the expected final total of job cuts.

The involuntary layoffs are part of major cost reductions being implemented by the Hearst Corp. in a bid to end financial losses at The Chronicle and keep the newspaper operating. Chronicle Guild members ratified on March 14 an agreement with Hearst that paved the way for buyouts, including severance up to one year's salary, in exchange for contract changes -- most notably an end to seniority-based layoff restrictions.

All those being laid off will receive the same severance terms as those who offered to resign as part of the workforce reduction. Terminations generally will take effect before September.

The company said it had to cut at least 150 jobs from The Guild's ranks. With the current layoffs, the number of jobs eliminated appears likely to reach the target.

Some of The Chronicle's top producers and veteran newsroom talent will be leaving. Management has not released a complete list of names, and some individuals apparently had not yet been contacted Thursday.

While chopping deeply into the ranks of The Guild, the company has yet to eliminate any significant number of management positions. Company negotiators have said managers would be let go in roughly the same proportion as Union members.

The Guild has insisted that cost cuts alone will not save The Chronicle. In fact, any realistic business recovery plan will only be made more difficult if staff cuts go too far by destroying editorial quality and core strengths in the business operation.

"Though today’s layoffs are not a surprise, the loss is still as heartbreaking,” said Michelle Devera, Chronicle Unit Chair. “We are losing some of the best, hardworking individuals in this business. Not just our colleagues, but also our dearest friends. We, as members of The Guild family, will support our brethren through this most difficult time.”

The Guild has worked with state employment officials and AFL-CIO central labor councils to create programs for displaced newspaper workers seeking a new career. Watch bulletin boards and our Web site (mediaworkers.org) for details on upcoming workshops and other career resources.

California Media Workers Guild
433 Natoma St., San Francisco
(415) 421-6833, www.mediaworkers.org
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