More jobs disappearing at Detroit papers

The monopoly that owns the News and Free Press in Detroit is looking to shoo 150 more workers out the door with buyouts similar to ones that ushered 110 workers into early retirement last November.

The papers downsized by 5 percent. Sixteen left the editorial rooms of the Free Press, while the remainder exited from the papers’ business side — known as the Detroit Media Partnership.

The buyout program is voluntary right now. But if fewer than 150 people raise their hands, the publisher may lay some people off.

The Free Press is also scrapping its 11 suburban Community Free Press editions and the Sunday Twist women’s magazine. Both publications will end early in August.

For the second time in less than a year, Gannett, owner of the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press and a chain of suburban papers known as the Observer & Eccentric, is trying to reduce staff without layoffs. This time, it’s targeting younger workers, starting at age 45 with at least 10 years of service. Last year, the offer went to those 52 or older. The deal offers two weeks of salary for each year of service to a maximum of 52 weeks.

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The deal is being offered immediately to non-union staff. Unions, including printers, Teamsters and The Newspaper Guild, have been invited to bargain for a similar deal.

The reason?

According to Detroit Media President David Hunke, “The environment in which newspapers operate continues to worsen rapidly, and the Detroit Media Partnership faces unique challenges because of the state’s business and economic climate.  Again, two weeks of severance pay are being offered for each year of service.”

The buyout is known as a “voluntary severance program.”

Incidentally, I know this program well. I’m still receiving weekly paychecks from the Free Press, having accepted a buyout last fall. I call it the Gannett Grant.

“We are evaluating ways to retain some key content and to retain advertisers,” Hunke said in a note to employees.

Gannett wants to cut at least 150 jobs. “If more than 150 volunteer, we will review whether we can expand the pool,” Hunke said.

“If the voluntary offer doesn’t result in a sufficient number of volunteers, or if in the future, economic conditions worsen, it may be necessary to consider layoffs,” Hunke said.

Last year’s buyouts at the Free Press had the effect of spreading departing staffers’ workloads among those who remained. The 110 who retired were 5 percent of the papers’ workforce. Removing 150 staffers likely will increase workloads for those who remain, although shutting Twist and Community Free Press operations will allow some Free Press editorial staffers to work in other areas.

For readers, the effect means fewer stories and less coverage of local events and people.

Contact me at joelthurtell [at] gmail.com.