Dec 14, 2009

Furloughs in the north

Management at the Singleton-owned Monterey County Herald, has asked workers to agree to take a week's unpaid furlough next year in exchange for a three-month's reprieve from any layoffs. From the guild website:
The one-week furlough would save $53,000, company representatives said. If Guild members reject the furlough, the company maintains the right under the Guild contract to lay off employees.

In requesting the furlough during a meeting with the Guild today, MediaNews counsel Marshall Anstandig cited a continued decline in advertising revenue at the Herald.

If Guild members approve the furlough, the company will guarantee that no layoffs will occur through March 31, 2010.

After March 31, the company said it would provide notice to the Guild should layoffs become necessary and meet with the Guild to consider any volunteers who’d be willing to quit to save the job of an employee who otherwise would be laid off.

4 comments:

Mr. Normal said...

>MediaNews counsel Marshall Anstandig cited a continued decline in advertising revenue at the Herald.

They could save a hell of a lot more money if they just fired Mr. Anstandig.

Anonymous said...

I don't know what they are worried, didn't Mr Honesty, Janniga say no more layoffs...many times?

Anonymous said...

This is a very interesting approach. One week off with no pay in order to secure your job for three months. If that isn't being taken hostage, I don't know what is. If they do that every quarter, and why wouldn't they, the result is a month off with no pay for a year. Wow. Talk about a shot.

Anonymous said...

Why don't you just make the statement:

"Employees, we really think you are worthless, lowly pieces of crap, but we'll keep you around because you think we have you by the chestnuts."

Stop beating around the bush. Out with it!