Involuntary pay reductions
I mentioned yesterday a new program at the Democrat-Gazette seeking employees willing to take voluntary reduction of hours as a cost-cutting tool. (And, I was told today, this plan was imposed at other Hussman-owned newspapers in Arkansas, as was an earlier wage and hiring freeze.)
Could be worse. Gannett today told its thousands of employees -- who include workers at KTHV in Little Rock and the Baxter Bulletin in Mountain Home -- that they must take a week off without pay in the first quarter of this year.
Lots more at the blog run by Jim Hopkins, former business editor at the Arkansas Gazette.
Comments
I understand our local WM has told their 30 dept. managers they all are to take one day off a month with no pay. I am sure it's not just a local phenomena.
Posted by: Cato![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 14, 2009 01:00 PM
I overheard some juicy news about Laman Library (North Little Rock) recently. Employees were told that normal employeement laws don't apply to them, and that they have no job protections. Now the Laman Public Library is undergoing some "reorganization" and is reclassifying some employees at much lower salaries (i.e. read older - long term employees). Perhaps the employees of the library would benefit from joining a public employees union, although the city of North Little Rock would never recognize a union, and would fire everyone rather than negotiate with one. A high ranking assistant director was overheard saying that she'd like to fire everyone. Those with handicaps and older employees tend to cost more in salaries and health care benefits than younger inexperienced workers - leaving more money for raises for supervisors.
Posted by: Severus![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 14, 2009 02:05 PM
I should add that the conversation I that I overheard regarding Laman could be of a disgruntled employee or former employee, but I always get annoyed at government agencies that don't feel any obligation to follow labor laws that businesses are expected to follow.
Posted by: Severus![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 14, 2009 02:21 PM
Of course, the NLR library has forever refused to join the coalition of all the other libraries in Pulaski County (and one in Perry County) that make up the Central Arkansas Library System and which benefit from enlightened personnel policies instituted under Bobby Roberts and his staff.
Laman Library prefers to go it on its own, leaving it vulnerable to guys like Petty Officer Hays and his dreams of establishing naval dominance over the Arkansas River between Scott and Maumelle.
Posted by: Mannish Boy![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 14, 2009 02:47 PM
"A high ranking assistant director was overheard saying that she'd like to fire everyone."
Uh huh. Sounds like the dragon lady is back from Arizona. For those not in on the joke, well, there was this southeast Arkansas lady who took over and, uh . . . well, just as well not start that fire again. But is she from southeast Arkansas?
BTW, do age and disability discrimination laws not apply in this case?
Posted by: Doigotta![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 14, 2009 11:03 PM