Boston Herald laying off small number of workers
Long-expected layoffs at the Boston Herald got underway today as the newspaper began notifying employees in its newsroom and commercial operations. These job cuts are expected to total fewer than 10, including a few employees who are leaving voluntarily.
Brian Whelan, president of the Newspaper Guild of Greater Boston, which represents workers in editorial, advertising and other business departments, confirmed the number of layoffs as "in the ballpark." He said additional details would be released later.
Herald publisher Patrick Purcell recently told newsroom and commercial employees that he would have to make layoffs even if they approved a 26-month freeze to help close a reported $2.8 million budget shortfall. The Guild-represented employess approved a wage freeze about 10 days ago.
"The newspaper industry is facing considerable pressure and the Herald is not immune," Purcell said today in a statement. Regrettably, today I took steps to reduce our workforce through a combination of buyout agreements, retirements and the elimination of several positions. This was a very painful decision, but necessary to ensure that Boston remains a two-newspaper town."
(By Robert Gavin, Globe staff)
