Demand the LA Times Management Stop the Destruction of Local News through Mass Layoffs
Los Angeles Times Management
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This week Los Angeles Times management announced imminent mass layoffs of journalists that threatens the quality of local news coverage across LA and the state of California.
For 142 years, Journalists at the LA Times have been serving quality local news to ensure our communities can stay informed and connected. Mass layoffs greatly harm our ability to serve our communities and carry out the mission of journalism.
That's why on January 19, workers at the LA Times Guild are walking off the job for a one-day, multi-city unfair labor practice strike. And we need your help!
Join us in signing a petition to the LA Times management to demand less destructive cost-cutting measures and preserve local news coverage across LA and greater California.
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To:
Los Angeles Times Management
From:
[Your Name]
Journalists at the Los Angeles Times have been serving our communities for 142 years and we stand by them. Mass layoffs greatly threaten the quality of news coverage in LA and harm our communities.
We stand with LA Times Guild in demanding less destructive cost-cutting measures than mass layoffs:
1. GIVE US A NUMBER: We want management to publicly articulate a clear headcount or salary reduction they’re aiming for, then offer the enhanced buyouts package outlined in the Guild contract — up to 52 weeks pay — to all Guild members over a seven-day period, with no cap on the number of people who can be given one. We then want all such buyouts to be credited against the layoff total. We reject all seniority carve outs.
2. TELL US WHO IS MAKING DECISIONS: We want new interim executive editors (in place following the abrupt departure of executive editor Kevin Merida last week) as well as President and COO Chris Argentieri to hold an all-hands town hall and articulate a clear road map for revenue growth and not just cost reductions.
3. MORE GUILD INPUT: We want ownership to convene a search and selection committee for the next executive editor which includes multiple Guild representatives.