INQUIRER JOB CUTS
Dear Guild Family,
I am distressed to report that today eight Inquirer journalists were approached with buyout offers. Those offers came with a nearly 100% guarantee that those individuals will be laid off if they do not accept the buyout package.
These job eliminations are economic, the company said. And, in the case of three employees, they are the result of a decision by the company to no longer pursue an area of coverage known as communities and engagement — at least not in its current form.
Executive Director Bill Ross and I were present with our members for each of these buyout meetings and will continue to provide support to these talented journalists as they consider their next steps in the coming days.
As is our practice, we will not make public their names. That is their choice to make.
I know that many of you have already heard of some of those impacted. Please respect their desires at what is a shocking and devastating time. But also show them the love and support that is such a trademark of this union.
I will have more to say on the impact of these cuts and what they represent in the coming days. For now, I just wanted to at least inform you of the basic facts.
In solidarity and anguish,
Diane
