The Baltimore Sun meet The Wire, fiction meet truth, truth meet fiction

Hartford got a similar note and then this from the ME Cliff Teutsch:





Folks,

By now you have seen the notes from Sam and Steve. Here's what I expect to happen in News. We will be seeking about 10 voluntary departures. We are working out the specifics, and will give you details next week. As in the past, we plan to offer buyouts to certain groups, with caps, and accept people in order of their seniority at The Courant.

Once we give out information next week, I will, of course, be available to answer questions, hear concerns, etc.

 

North County Times people got this:



As you are surely aware, this newspaper is in the same turbulent
economic winds that others in the industry and the market are. Unfortunately,
the stiff the headwinds now require us to significantly shrink the
size of the newsroom.
Accordingly, we are seeking voluntary buyouts from up to 20 of our
staff members. The terms of the offer are included in the attached
document. If you have questions about how you would be affected if you choose
this offer, please contact Peggy Chapman at xxx-xxx-xxxx.


Information Regarding Voluntary Separation Program for Editorial Employees

· This program is being offered to employees of the editorial department only.

· This voluntary separation program means that you would volunteer to end your employment with the North County Times in exchange for severance pay.

· You have until February 25, 2008 to decide if you want to volunteer for this program.

· You must notify Peggy Chapman in writing by noon Monday, February 25, 2008 if you want to volunteer for this program.

· Your medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits would end on your last day worked.

· In exchange for a signed release agreement, you will be eligible for a severance amount equal to one week of current pay for every full year of service up to 26 weeks total.

· In addition, for this voluntary program only, you would be eligible for an additional payment equal to the cost of three months of Cobra benefits. You must elect and pay for Cobra on your own. Failure to do so will mean that you will not have extended benefits beyond your last day worked.

· Your last day worked will be Friday, February 29, 2008. You must remain employed until this date to be eligible for the severance package. If you resign or are terminated prior to this date, you will not be eligible for severance.

· You will receive your final check on Friday, February 29, 2008. This check will include all hours worked, plus any remaining awarded personal or vacation time.

· In addition you will be paid for vacation hours you would have been awarded on March 1, 2008.

· Your severance will be paid out eight days after we receive your signed release agreement. If we do not receive your release agreement within the 45 day window, you will not receive severance.

· You may contact JP Morgan at 800-345-2345 to discuss your options for distribution of your RAP/401k plan.

· If you are participating in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan your contributions for the current plan year will be refunded to you in accordance with Lee’s policies. You may sell any stock you own by calling Wells Fargo at 800-468-9716.

· If you believe you are eligible for unemployment insurance you may file a claim online at www.edd.ca.gov.