A memo to employees sent on behalf of Publisher Gary Wortel lays out the bad news:
Some single incumbent positions will be eliminated and several positions that are currently open will not be replaced. Work groups in several operations and circulation departments will be offered a voluntary separation package today. If enough employees do not take the voluntary option, the positions will be eliminated through the least-tenured employees in those work groups.
Employees will be required to take a one-week unpaid furlough between Feb. 11 and July 31, the memo says.
The Star-Telegram was one of five McClatchy-owned newspapers to introduce a paywall last fall. In an otherwise unhappy third quarter earnings report, McClatchy President and CEO Pat Talamantes said revenues from the paywalls “will begin to make a more significant impact in the fourth quarter.” In December, the company announced it received more than $38 million from equity investments in 2012.
Here’s the memo…
To All Employees
While we are seeing local economic conditions improve, some of our business sectors continue to grow at a slower than anticipated rate.
This challenge means we must look at additional cost-cutting measures, including a reduction in our workforce. Some single incumbent positions will be eliminated and several positions that are currently open will not be replaced. Work groups in several operations and circulation departments will be offered a voluntary separation package today. If enough employees do not take the voluntary option, the positions will be eliminated through the least-tenured employees in those work groups.
We are also announcing a furlough program to begin February 11 and end July 31. Employees required to take this one week of unpaid furlough will receive the furlough form today. Please complete your form as soon as possible and give to your supervisor for approval.
Any questions regarding the voluntary/involuntary or the furlough program may be directed to your department manager, Darla Sullenger or Matt Byars in Human Resources.
We know these staffing reductions are difficult and unsettling. I’m optimistic that 2013 will bring the improvement we need in our business sectors to gain positive momentum. The executive team and I appreciate your strong commitment to the Star-Telegram.
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