Once again the specter of newsroom layoffs is hanging over the Gray Lady.
“The advertising climate remains volatile and we don’t see this changing in the near future,” said New York Times Publisher and Chairman Arthur “Pinch” Sulzberger, Jr.
The company said it was looking for 30 volunteers from its non-unionized management ranks to take early retirement — and that if it didn’t get enough volunteers, pink slips will be handed out.
“The economic environment has grown more difficult in the second half of the year and I must reduce costs in the newsroom,” said Editor-in-Chief Jill Abramson in a memo announcing the cuts yesterday.
Abramson said the Newspaper Guild also asked that its newsroom, security and ad-makeup members also be offered a chance to take early retirement packages and the company is extending the offer to them as well.
The Guild, which recently ratified a new labor pact, told members they will have 45 days to decide if they want to take a package that will include three weeks pay for employees with 11-plus years of service.
Any Guild departures would be separate and apart from the 30 non-unionized exempted employees.
The company reported Nov. 3 that print advertising revenue fell 11 percent in the third quarter while operating costs rose 2.3 percent.
The last time there were extensive newsroom layoffs was in 2008 when about 100 people exited.
“You and I have been through this process together before and know that it is painful,” said Abramson.
Currently, the newsroom staff is about the same size as it was in 2003, Abramson said.
kkelly@nypost.com
It’s nip and tuck for the Gray Lady - again
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It’s nip and tuck for the Gray Lady - again
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It’s nip and tuck for the Gray Lady - again
