Brian Tierney's Christmas cheer message

Philadelphia Newspapers informed Guild leadership that it intends to eliminate 35 bargaining-unit jobs at the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News effective Dec. 31.

The layoffs as planned would come primarily from the newsrooms, specifically from the photo and graphic arts departments and the copy desk. The company also plans to cut six positions in advertising.

Layoffs among management are also planned. The company would not say how many. Tomorrow, it will send letters to all 320-plus independent employees across the company asking for volunteers. If it does not get enough volunteers, the company said it will resort to forced layoffs of independents. Management cuts are assured in all departments.

The projected Guild layoffs are as follows:
At the Inquirer:
7 photographers
2 photo lab technicians
3 photo editors
7 copy editors
3 graphic artists

At the Daily News:
1 photographer
4 part-time copy editors
1 full-time copy editor
1 graphic artist

In Advertising:
4 outside sales positions
2 retail supervisor positions

The company said the job cuts are necessary as revenue continues to decline.