The Westchester County (N.Y) Journal News

[Gannettoid]

Any updated numbers?

[westchesterinformer]

I was told there were six in ad production.

[Concerned reporter]

Has anyone heard anything about what's planned. Everyone I've talked to is in the dark.

[WestchesterWhy]

There were 9 last week not 6 -- 6 in ad production, 2 in advertising sales, and 1 PT reporter.

[Gannettoid]

There were 9 last week not 6 -- 6 in ad production, 2 in advertising sales, and 1 PT reporter.

Updated. Thanks.

[WestchesterAnonymous]

There were only 6 from Production. Comm. Printing took the hit.
Nobody from Adv. or News.

[thespy]

Wait - lot's more coming!

[Gannettoid]

When? Proof? Or educated guess?

[WorriedinWestchester]

I miss Gannett Blog. There is nothing new on this site even though there has got to be some information about what's happening with the "major restructuring" or "comprehensive reorganization" or whatever they are calling it.

I am in the dark. But it's hard to believe that everyone is, too.

What's the news?

[Guest]

The cuts are coming in the second (possibly first) week in August, which is when the plan will be announced. I am in the dark as well, gossip points to consolidation with the PoJo but with the end of GB, the lights were turned out.

[WorriedinWestchester]

Another post said the PoJo building was sold. Since this directly affects the Westchester plans, is there any word of confirmation on this?

Any info? (I'd take rumors at this point!)

[Gannettoid]

Speaking of the PoJo building, go here for our latest post on that: http://gannettoid.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=266&sid=001a730d699b054cb25f400705614c58

[curious]

Back at the beginning of July, the powers that be in Westchester said they would have a major reorganization in August. Any word?

[Gannettoid]

Any word on Westchester layoffs?

[thespy]

Heard 1 Finance employee let go. Sure there are others...

[thespy]

Also something about a new Business Manager in Finance. Not sure how it works yet...

[Guest]

Westchester got a memo saying that 57 jobs would be eliminated, but none in the newsroom, and that more changes will be announced later this month.

[Gannettoid]

Can anyone post the memo or send it anonymously to news@gannettoid.com?

Thanks

[WestchesterAnonymous]

I was one of the casualties over the last two days! It seems there are 57 total being let go from various departments. Good Luck to everyone!

[Gannettoid]

Here's a memo from Westchester publisher Mike Fisch. This was sent from an anonymous tipster.

From: Fisch, Mike
Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2009 10:07 AM
To: Westchester-All (For Official Use Only)
Subject: Announcement regarding changes in Westchester
Importance: High

Thank you all for your patience over the last few weeks as we developed the restructuring plan for our Westchester operations. We have now completed the first part of changes which are designed to assist in repositioning and restructuring The Journal News so it can operate in a sustainable fashion. As I shared with you last month, these changes will involve the elimination of jobs and is part of the division-wide job reduction Bob Dickey announced at the beginning of July.

A number of positions in the production, information technology, human resources, advertising services, and finance departments have been eliminated and the employees in these positions have been notified. We’ve also informed some press and mailroom employees that their jobs will be eliminated at the end of September when we stop printing USA Today and Investor’s Business Daily. Overall these changes will affect 57 people.

These reductions are part of a restructuring plan designed to allow the company to reduce costs, streamline management structures, and reduce activities not related to a new business operating model. This model will drive news product changes, refine the advertising zoning options in The Journal News, expand the local Express publications and heighten our focus on breaking news on LoHud.com and other digital platforms.

We are finalizing other elements of the restructuring plan and expect to be able to communicate the details of the plan later this month. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or Human Resources at extension 5265.