Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Buyouts Coming to a Tribune Newspaper Near You

By Brett Levy
I'm not sure if the same thing is happening elsewhere at the L.A. Times, but pressmen have until 5 p.m. Nov. 8th to sign up for an employee voluntary separation plan. This plan offers one week of pay for each year worked up to 40 weeks. Pressmen who agree to the buyout will be terminated between Dec. 9 and Dec. 31.

It is unclear how many volunteers Tribune Co. is seeking, but a source tells me that employees are being pressured via a technique called "last and final notice." Essentially, employees are sent written notice, which threatens termination, of various mistakes they've been making. I suppose if I was sent such a message, I'd be able to read the handwriting on the wall, though I've been known to be a bit dense at such times.

Other details of the Voluntary Separation Plan:
1. Lump sum or continuation of pay until paid out -- eligible continuation folks will get medical, dental and vision benefits.
2. I count about 75 eligible for the buyout.
3. I count about 23 not eligible for the buyout.

If anyone has a story they want to share anonymously about the buyouts -- or anything else Times-related -- please let me know via chat or email. brettdl AT dadtalk DOT net.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

only a four day paper soon? looks like its getting 2 that point