The breakdown of layoffs according to a Guild memo:
Seven [layoffs] in editorial. (Two photographers, four reporters, one copy editor)
Four in customer service.
Two in transportation.
Job Cuts Announced
September 23, 2014
From the Memphis Newspaper Guild
Once again we're in the sad position of announcing job cuts. Management told us this morning (Tuesday) that a total of 13 people are losing jobs within our bargaining unit at The Commercial Appeal. Here's the breakdown.
Seven in editorial. (Two photographers, four reporters, one copy editor)
Four in customer service.
Two in transportation.
In addition to those 13, four people outside the Guild bargaining unit lost jobs. That usually means managers, but we're not sure.
The company began telling the people affected this morning. We sent representatives to most of those meetings and we've requested additional information to ensure that those who lost jobs are treated according to our contract.
CA attorney Warren Funk and HR manager Eunice Johnson said this action had to do with longstanding financial issues. "It's just the way the business is going. It hasn't been good. Hasn't been good for a while," Funk said.
They said it didn't have to do with the upcoming deal with Journal Media Group. We asked if the officials with the new company were consulted about this action. They said they didn't know. We asked them to find out.
That's what we have right now.
We'll plan to have at least one meeting to help those who lost jobs connect to resources and employment leads - look for an announcement in the next few days. And please start looking for job leads - we'll organize a way to get those to people who need them.
Wayne Risher
President
Everyone:
There are major changes coming this week in booking of the print edition and, consequently, in staffing.
The print product is being reorganized to reduce space and save on newsprint and production costs. You've heard some of these changes, others will be new. Beginning with Thursday’s edition:
—We will publish a single edition. DeSoto Appeal is discontinued. So is B section zoning for the Shelby suburbs.
—The full Business report moves inside Section A. We will continue to have a standalone section on Sundays.
—We will publish a single Editorial page, also inside A, Monday-Saturday.
—M will publish on Mondays, Tuesdays (Food) and Sundays only. On the other days, comics will front the Classified section and include puzzles and the TV grid.
—Sports moves to Section C.
As a result of these changes:
— Peggy McKenzie will head a newly created Suburban department responsible for the coverage of the burbs, including DeSoto.
—Responsibility for the three M sections a week shifts to Chris Herrington.
—All line editors have or will be relocated to the center of the newsroom to work on a new multi-department desk co-op coordinated by John Stamm. More explanation to come.
—Kim Coleman will supervise copy and design.
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