Tacoma nailed again

From The Pipeline:

TO: ALL EMPLOYEES

FROM: DAVE ZEECK

DATE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2008

Beginning today we’ll be offering a Voluntary Separation Program to 54% percent of the full-time employees of The News Tribune. We have reviewed all positions in workgroups throughout the company and identified positions that may not need to be replaced or could be filled internally if vacated.

This selection isn’t a reflection of the value of anyone’s work or personal contribution; it’s a measure of changing technology, consolidation, and necessity. Although the group to which we offer this program is large, we anticipate that a relatively small percentage of the group will apply.

It’s premature to establish a target or quota right now for this Voluntary program, although we may limit the number of applications we accept given business needs or to ensure that no one area of the operation is unfairly impacted. We will evaluate the number of employees leaving under the Voluntary program; how work will be reallocated and consolidated; and what additional expense reductions may still be necessary. Then we will determine if additional staff reductions must be made through an involuntary severance program and communicate that to you as soon as possible.

Eligible employees will receive individual information packets later today. More information about the program will be discussed in department meetings.

You know the reasons why we’re doing this: the economic downturn and the continuing transformation of the newspaper industry’s traditional business model. You also know that we’ve initiated a series of cost-control measures and reorganized parts of our operation to deal with these issues. Because the economic downturn persists with no signs of easing, we must further reduce expenses.

We’ve continued to analyze our operations and will spend the rest of the year seeking ways to be more efficient and productive. But those measures alone aren’t enough. That’s why we are also implementing a move to a 37.5 hour standard work week for hourly employees, which will begin Oct. 13. This measure came in response to some employee queries about and offers to reduce work hours, and in part, to help mitigate workforce reductions by as much as possible. More details on this issue also will be offered in department meetings today.

I know these are difficult, stressful times. But I also know that the work we do is important, and I want to reassure you that our overarching focus remains the same: to be the most trusted supplier of local news and advertising for the South Sound.

We are the dominant medium in the South Sound because at key points throughout our history our predecessors made difficult decisions. We have steered through wars and paper shortages, changes in ownership, depressions and recessions, and dealt with ever-changing technology and the threats and opportunities they presented. Newspapers are still the most robust advertising medium in America, and we’re attracting more readers than ever. The challenges may keep coming, but the outcome will remain the same: The News Tribune will survive, and even thrive.

If you have any questions about the Voluntary program or this transition, please contact Cynthia Shaffer at xxx-xxxx If you have any questions about departmental or structural changes, please contact your department manager.

I want to thank you for everything you are doing on behalf of The News Tribune. We all have dedicated our careers to informing the public, helping businesses succeed and bettering this community. Fortunately, it is precisely that public mission – and the local news and advertising staffs that accompany it – that place us in the best position of all our competitors going toward the future, even with this latest round of cuts.

 

Offered to, not sure of the actual target.
Still a bundle, as you said.

 

That's the percentage of employees who will be offered the buyout, not how much will be cut.


From the memo:

It’s premature to establish a target or quota right now for this Voluntary program, although we may limit the number of applications we accept given business needs or to ensure that no one area of the operation is unfairly impacted.

 

In other words: They're telling more than half the newsroom they can be replaced. But, hey, it's not a reflection on the work you do.