Briefs on news media layoffs

Time may cut 150 jobs
Time Inc. may decide in the next two weeks to cut 150 jobs, and Time magazine could be particularly hard hit, the New York Post reported on Friday, citing sources. The cuts at Time Inc., a unit of Time Warner Inc. , could happen across the board, and include other top magazines such as People and Sports Illustrated, the Post reported. [Copyright Reuters]


Guild members may take the Strib's money and run
The abrupt sale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune to Avista Capital Partners the day after Christmas left many of the paper's employees wondering how soon they'd be shown the door. But a little-known clause in the paper's contract with union journalists suggests that its employees might have good reason to look for the door--possibly in droves.

Article VIII of the Star Tribune's contract with the Minnesota Newspaper Guild and Typograhical Union ensures all employees represented by the union the right to exercise a buyout should the paper be sold to an outside buyer. Within five days of a sale, employees must express their interest in the option; in return, they'll receive two weeks of pay for every year worked, with a 40-week maximum. The purchase by Avista is expected to be completed in "early 2007." While the Guild represents employees at the St. Paul Pioneer Press as well, the stipulation is specific to Star Tribune's Guild members.

The Star Tribune's management representative was unavailable for comment.

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