Jack Griffin on Employee Voluntary Separation Program

From: Jack Griffin 
Sent: Monday, October 05, 2015 9:05 AM
Subject: Employee Voluntary Separation Program

Dear Tribune Publishing Employees:

Today we are announcing a Voluntary Separation Program for our employees. We are doing so now to allow employees to make decisions about their own personal and professional situations at a time when the company must continue to execute on its strategic plan, which includes reducing costs.

The senior management team and I recognize that each employee makes important contributions to our company. At the same time, in the challenging revenue environment that all publishing companies face, it is critical that we make hard decisions and take the necessary steps that continue to position Tribune Publishing Company for success over the long term.

Tribune Publishing is built on and committed to quality journalism and premium content. In our short history as an independent public company, our newspaper brands have been recognized for journalistic excellence and commitment to their local communities, including two Pulitzer Prizes at the Los Angeles Times and honorable mentions for the Chicago Tribune and The Baltimore Sun. And as you may have read last week, The Sun recently received recognition from the Online News Association for its outstanding digital coverage of recent events in Baltimore.

Concurrently, we are investing in digital products, technology and talent to move the company forward. To accomplish and continue this, we must adapt our current cost structure and business model to meet changing times. This is the rationale behind the Employee Voluntary Separation Program. We recognize and appreciate that the decision whether to participate in the plan is a difficult one. Our Human Resources team stands ready to support you in the decision-making process.

Any non-union employee with more than one year of service will be eligible to participate in the program. Eligible employees will receive a personalized and detailed packet within the next five business days, and will have until October 23rd to decide whether to apply for the plan. Cindy Ballard, our head of Human Resources, will send a separate note today with further information.

As the company enters the important fourth quarter, we appreciate the continued focus and dedication our teams are already demonstrating to deliver results for all our stakeholders. Thank you for your hard work during this time and for your ongoing commitment to the success of our company.

Jack

h/t LAObserved