NEW YORK -- Gannett is requiring employees at its newspapers in Ohio and throughout the country to take unpaid, week-long furloughs.The northern Virginia-based newspaper publisher says the move could help minimize further layoffs amid a severe downturn in advertising. Gannett had several rounds of layoffs last year.
In Ohio, the company owns The Cincinnati Enquirer and 10 newspapers in central Ohio cities.
Employees must take the furloughs during the first quarter. Union-covered employees will be asked to participate, and layoffs are possible if they refuse.
Gannett owns 85 U.S. daily newspapers, including USA Today, and 23 TV stations (including WKYC). It has more than 40,000 employees.
USA Today also has declared a one-year freeze on wages, effective Feb. 1.
Source: The Associated Press
