Union criticizes secret layoffs at newspaper

EmploymentCrossing.com Union leaders are upset that The Providence Journal, the largest newspaper in Rhode Island, has failed to disclose to the public a plan to layoff 30 newsroom staffers made last month. Tim Schick, administrator of The Providence Newspaper Guild, contends that the paper's failure to report on its own cuts -- expected to take place by Friday -- is hypocritical. "There are a lot of questions about when they will be upfront with the public about what is going on," Schick told Editor & Publisher. "If it were any other business in the community, the Journal would be reporting it and seeking it out." The layoff plan, announced to staff on September 24th, will eliminate 25 part-time newsroom staffers positions and five full-time positions, according to the union. The union has revealed the layoff plan on its website, as has the alternative weekly The Phoenix. "In the news business, you would think they would report the news as it occurs," Schick said.