As the Union-Tribune has cut its newsroom the last three years, it has only resorted to layoffs one other time. That was January 2008, when the newspaper cut five from the newsroom and 27 companywide. The other times, they’ve used voluntary buyouts.
The newspaper sent out a press release then that sounds nearly identical to the release they issued today.
From January 2008:
“These are difficult times,” said Drew Schlosberg, community and public relations manger (sic). Any decision to reduce staff is painful, especially at a family owned business where it means saying goodbye to longtime friends and exceptionally talented colleagues.”
From today’s statement:
“These are difficult times for the entire newspaper industry, and a time of transition for the Union-Tribune,” said Drew Schlosberg, director of community and public relations. “Any decision to reduce staff is painful, as it means saying goodbye to longtime friends and exceptionally talented colleagues.”