The NewsGuild of Greater Philadelphia

Buyout/Layoff Update

October 2, 2020billrossInquirer

Dear colleagues:

The Company met with me and Bill Ross this morning to update us on the reception to the latest expanded buyout offer and the process that comes next.

Three people have come forward to accept the latest offer, thus saving the jobs of three of eight targeted layoffs. We owe each of them a debt of gratitude, thank them for their tremendous work, and wish them all the happiness in their next chapters. We are not at liberty to identify them. That is up to each of them.

In our hour-long meeting, Bill and I succeeded at getting the Company to put off making any final decision on potential layoffs for 30 days.

In that time, the Company will reevaluate its needs and continue its deliberations on who will be laid off, if anyone. We again urged them to abandon any layoff plan, arguing involuntary job eliminations are never good for the health of a company and certainly will not serve our readership community — one that is relying on our work at perhaps levels we have not seen in recent history.

As the Company continues its deliberations, it remains open to considering buyout applicants. If that is of interest to anyone, just let me or Bill know.

For now, stay calm, resolute and hopeful.

And congratulations to those who have decided to move on. We will miss each of you and your incredible skills and dedication to this demanding craft.

In solidarity, 

Diane