Jackson Free Press

Thank you for working diligently through these tough economic times, even as I know you are aware that we are in the process of making difficult payroll reduction decisions. Since the announcement that we will decrease payroll by approximately 10 percent, we have been in constant contact with corporate staff about the possibility of adding a voluntary component to the reduction.

Let me be clear: Involuntary job eliminations will make up most of our cuts. However, our company has decided to give employees the option of coming forward voluntarily. Those who voluntarily come forward will receive severance of one week's pay for every year of service, with a minimum of two weeks of severance and a maximum of 26 weeks.

Those terms may sound similar to the involuntary job reduction that is currently being reviewed. There is a major distinction, however. I have personally met with each operating committee member. In the very near future, we will have the difficult task of informing an undetermined number of employees that their jobs have been eliminated. We will not be in a position of announcing in advance the names of staff members who will no longer be with us. The voluntary severance offer allows you to make your own decision.

If you are interested in being considered, please submit your name to Lindsay Carter, human resources director, no later than noon on Tuesday Nov. 11. The job eliminations are expected to take place in early December, although that could change depending on special circumstances. Also of importance: We must preserve our operational strength in key positions. As we go forward, I cannot guarantee you that everyone who volunteers will be accepted. All will receive serious consideration.

Thank you.

Larry Whitaker
President & Publisher

Our thoughts are with the employees there at this difficult time, especially right before Christmas. Not so much for Gannett management.

Previous Comments

ID

140606

Comment

Man, that's rough.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2008-11-12T13:39:42-06:00

ID

140613

Comment

If they know the reduction will be approximately 10 percent, and if they say it will happen in early December, how come they also say that it will involve an *undetermined number of employees*. I'm baffled as to why they would invite employees to volunteer to be laid off and then say that they *cannot guarantee that everyone who volunteers will be accepted*. How crazy is that? Seems to me that they're handling such a serious matter in a feckless, reckless manner.

Author

Kacy

Date

2008-11-12T16:05:12-06:00

ID

140615

Comment

They're talking about the "volunteer" lay-offs over on the Gannett Blog.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2008-11-12T16:23:19-06:00