More than 100 Los Angeles Times journalists fired
- January 24, 2024
- 0
Los Angeles Times Workers Union He stated that the dismissal of a quarter of the editorial staff this Tuesday, This is a devastating development for the 168 journalists
Los Angeles Times Workers Union He stated that the dismissal of a quarter of the editorial staff this Tuesday, This is a devastating development for the 168 journalists
Los Angeles Times Workers Union He stated that the dismissal of a quarter of the editorial staff this Tuesday, This is a devastating development for the 168 journalists laid off – 94 recently and 74 last July.
In a statement on its website, the LA Times X Guild said last Friday’s demonstration Dozens of other workers were rescued, but 94 people were not.
“We believe our decision to call a strike today saved dozens of newsroom jobs, as LA Times President and COO Chris Argentieri mentioned in his note to the newsroom this afternoon. But the remaining 94 members of the LAT Guild are still facing dismissal.“It wasn’t meant to be this way,” the statement said.
In its statement, the union emphasized that the company preferred planned layoffs instead of using acquisitions, op.tion included in the 2019 contract, accusing management of a lack of humanity during the financial crisis.
Image: Los Angeles Guild
“Instead, The Times chose mass layoffs. has long been planned through a webinar in which the employees were not allowed to resolve a single issue,” the union said.
A 25% reduction in the number of editorial staff is considered catastrophic. affecting journalists and their families, the quality of journalism and communication with audiences, workers claimed.
What’s more, they note that the cuts don’t live up to promises of diversity. disproportionately affects young black journalists, as well as AAPI and Latinx journalists.
The staff reduction occurred after the company Earlier in July last year, 74 newsroom jobs were cut.– the union recalled.
Image: Los Angeles Guild
The union rejected the blame that Times management is trying to place on them. emphasizing that the decision to dismiss was made by the company.
They also criticized the lack of transparency. on the terms of dismissal proposed by management.
“Management wanted the Guild to agree to extreme dismissal conditions. which she did not want to make public, was essentially asking journalists to sign the agreement without telling them what it contained.. As part of this secret agreement, the company tried to pit young journalists of color against more senior employees,” he said.
Workers also blamed these layoffs are part of the company’s strategy, in the absence regional directors as editor, which influences the clarity of direction.
“Still It is not clear who is responsible for our editorial office More than a week has passed since our editor-in-chief resigned.
In the document, the Los Angeles Guild, while grateful to the Soon-Shiong family for investing in the media, points out that the administration has failed and that despite statements made about finding a solution, The union was not informed about this.
In the statement they emphasize that These events undermined public confidence in the LA Times and its journalists. carrying out dismissals in a “cruel and inhumane manner.”
“A newspaper cannot play this role if its staff is reduced to a minimum. Los Angeles is a first-class city, and it needs a first-class newsroom. class control their leaders, celebrate their victories and tell the stories of their people,” they noted.
Photo: Cuartoscuro
Finally, The workers assured that they will continue to fight for their jobs. and the future of the Los Angeles Times.
“Today has been devastating, but the Guild will not be stopped or intimidated. We will continue to fight for our members.brothers and for the future of the Los Angeles Times,” they concluded in their statement.
Source: Aristegui Noticias
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