No word at all last night. Everyone is paranoid and the rumors are just running wild. There are a whole boat load of people off on Monday nights. Especially supervisors who would know the deal, so, everyone who is normally off are canned according to the rumor mill. Have 3 calls out to day side people but no word yet. Hmmm, might go hit the bar across the street. It is almost lunchtime.
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9 comments:
This is a really, really dumb move by publisher Gregory Zieman. Any time there is turmoil, silence from the top guy is a morale crusher.
How many ways can a paper tell you THEY DON"T CARE? Ask McClatchy they know.
Ask the people who have lost their jobs in the last year.
Same thing happened at my McClatchy paper during the recent buyout process. All managers and the publisher were mum on the situation, making employees really nervous. Managers said they were told not to discuss it, even though they all knew several days ahead who was accepted for the buyout - even BEFORE those who were accepted for the buyout were told. No one knew how many people applied for the buyout, if there were going to be further layoffs (there were) or how many people were needed to take the buyout. Seems McClatchy management prefers to let employees learn information via the rumor mill rather than just being honest with them. This is a far cry from the way things work at some other papers. A friend recently was laid off from a non-McClatchy paper, and he knew as early as possible that he was on the list of those who would potentially be cut. He knew exactly what need to happen in order for his position not to be cut (two other staffers with more seniority would have to resign). So, he was able to start making plans early on.
Keeping employees in the dark is the way "management" at all McClatchy entities operates. I can tell you from experience that one day you are in good with the boss and the next you are getting walking papers. The employees usually have a good idea of what is going to happen, but the gloomy environment makes for a crappy workplace.
I hear MNI among groups asking Congress to change pension laws to allow them to drain the pension plan. MNI has grossly underfunded the pension plan, but my source says they argue they can't afford to plus-up the pension plan when they are having trouble making their payments on MNI's massive debt. They want changes made in the car company bailout bill the House Ways and Means Committee is putting together.
Now the pension fund what's next? Sell the KC STAR and put the money in the pension fun......Oh I forgot the BANKS OWN EVERYTHING they can't..
How long ago was it that the Miami Herald editor told the staff the layoffs they had seen were the last. Really? Wait to see what now is unfolding.
If the intrepid reporters for the KC Star had as many people and as much enthusiasm looking into this as they did searching Sarah Palin's garbage can, they could probably get a lead on the story.
Or, maybe not.
Please post more information regarding KC Star layoff. Who in the press room and prepress were let go.
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