System-wide, the Gannett papers are facing layoffs and closing open positions, and the Statesman-Journal will be among the affected. This morning I got a copy of an email from SJ publisher Steve Silberman:
Here in Salem, we will not fill some open positions and we will also lay off three employees, or about 1.5% of our full-time workforce. In some areas, we have more employees than budgeted, which I have taken into account. Working with the Operating Committee, we have focused on strategically aligning our resources for future growth. We will make these reductions and notify the three affected employees on Monday.
It pains me to lay off people because I know the financial and emotional toll this will have. I have not made this decision lightly or rashly. As we realign our business, you have my assurance that we will treat employees fairly. The three impacted employees will receive one week's severance for each year of service with a minimum two-week severance benefit. Medical benefits will continue for the length of the severance period.
I don't know who the three people are.
I really hate layoff days.
Update: I hear two of the people laid off were a photographer and a librarian. I don't know names.
The S-J had help wanted ads (two) on line in the careerbuilder web site.
1 reporter
1 sports reporter
both sounded entry level as far as job requirements.