Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday | Jan. 22 | Your News & Comments
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89 comments:
Jim says: "Proceed with caution; this is a free-for-all comment zone. I try to correct or clarify incorrect information. But I can't catch everything. Please keep your posts focused on Gannett and media-related subjects. Note that I occasionally review comments in advance, to reject inappropriate ones. And I ignore hostile posters, and recommend you do, too."
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What is your favorite golf term?
ReplyDeleteGotta be "mashie-niblick."
ReplyDelete"Drive for show, putt for dough"
ReplyDeletepoa annua
ReplyDeleteI vote for "ball washer."
ReplyDeleteworm burner
ReplyDelete(a drive that never goes more than an inch or two above the ground, yet rolls and bounces for many many yards)
I think today the fourth quarter earnings are announced. Hear if expenses aren't kept under control in the first quarter layoffs are imminent. Work hard but keep your resumes circulating. There are jobs out there but much harder to find. We need to be creative at this time and think of starting our own businesses, working an extra part-time job, anything to not be at the mercy of this company. Look at Jim, he created this blog and found ways to make a difference and to make some pocket chance, all while doing what he enjoys — reporting. We can all take a page from his play book. Move forward yet stay informed. Losing my job scares the hell out of me yet I am still applying for jobs while I still have one and looking at all part-time jobs to have as a back up. NEVER feel your job at Gannett is secure, even if you like your job. No ma†ter how loyal, dedicated or great employee that you are – your head could still be on the chopping block next time around. Try to get any cross training you can while you are still employed there. There are still many valuable resources you can use to your advantage. Be resourceful and think of ways you can get the training you need to get another better paying and secure job.
ReplyDelete12:52 am: Thanks for writing. On fourth-quarter earnings, you are off by a week and a day: They are set for release on Friday, Jan. 30.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know why the severance package is different site to site? Some have said two weeks for each year of employment, others are only one?
ReplyDeleteHey, Jim, what happened to Gannett Blog TV? I miss the funny videos!
ReplyDeleteThank you, 2:34 am. I have been a bit under the weather, so am too hoarse to talk these days. But I hope to make another episode, soon.
ReplyDeleteSubject: Bob Dickey Golfing Boondoggle
ReplyDeleteI would like for Craig Dubow to explain this excessive expense that is covered by Gannett. I find it disgusting that Dubow would allow Dickey to spend so much money for him and his two showgirls to attend this event.
Someone in the corporate finance department told me that Dubow is a "micro manager" and they are surprised that Dubow did not prevent trip. Especially, one week after the furlough announcements!
Even my manager is surprised and disturbed by Dickey's actions. I would like for Bob Dickey to explain his selfish actions.
Jim:
ReplyDeleteI love Tara's response to your inquiry. The use of the word "modest" is quite entertaining. People are losing their jobs here. . .I mean come off your high horse and admit to waste. I'm sure Dickey wasn't in coack with his girls. Gannett invests more than 50K annually in another golf event --that is a fact.
Does anyone know why Corporate is coming to The Journal News in Westchester today?
ReplyDeleteI miss the videos, too.
ReplyDeleteGet well soon, Jim.
GOLF, MONEY & SPIRITUALISM
ReplyDeleteSo I was a looper of in the Himalayas, you know a jock, a caddy. Well I get the Dali Lama himself; seventh son of the senventh son....flowing robes....striking.
................
So we get to the end of 18, and he tries to stiff me......So I say....Hey Lama, How about a little something for the effect. So he says "There WON'T BE ANY MONEY, but on your Death Bed, you will receive Total Consciousness.....so I got that goin for me.
Bob Dickey must have taken the NO MONEY view of work effort to heart for GANNETT.
1:16 AM
ReplyDeleteI think that's an excellent question. I, too, wonder how a company with a centralized HR department gets away with offering different RIF packages at different locations.
If Dickey's golf outing is such a great event for Gannett, then why should he have to pay at all? And, if he paid this time, did he pay-up all other times too?
ReplyDeleteAnd, please, if this was really a way to reward advertisers as well make some money, then surely Dickey, Bergin and crew could have come up with a sales program that would have provided a more lucrative opportunity that actually allowed advertisers to play.
Now that’s innovative, perhaps too much so for the boys used to swinging their sticks.
1:16 AM wrote: Does anyone know why the severance package is different site to site? Some have said two weeks for each year of employment, others are only one?
ReplyDeleteI'd sure like to understand this as well. I received 1 month pay for each year worked but I understand that others received 2 per. Seems like there should have been some "layoff benefits" standard that Gannett sites needed to follow.
Anyone know the skinny on this?
The payday lending industry is using Gannett furloughs as a "reason" for payday loans. I got a ping on my frugal living blog with that thread.
ReplyDeleteI'd share the link but I don't want to give them any business!
Please don't do that.
Look up "frugal living," "frugal blog," "living on a budget," "frugality" etc. There are LOTS of ideas you'll find on the Internet on how to cut back on expenses -- and they don't involve payday loans.
Quick tip: house + car eats up most of your fixed expenses. Maybe you can't do much in the short term about the actual payments but you can cut back on utility use, ask for discounts on insurance, etc.
Last month, the Des Moines Register laid off its Outdoors reporter. Now it wants the readers themselves to provide all of the content to fill that page. (Readers are already providing restaurant and movie "reviews.")
ReplyDeleteAccording to today's Register, to get an Outdoors story published, one needs to write no more than 400 words. To get a photograph published, one needs to take a picture that's "sharp, not blurry."
The DMR also invites readers to send their Outdoors questions to the paper "and we’ll find experts to provide your answers."
Find experts? The paper used to have those experts on staff. They were called "reporters."
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090121/SPORTS10/90121022/1021
Any more information on the cuts at the Arizona Republic, as the poster said last night that he/she was asked to cut hours from 40 to 20? How many people go thit with this, and will this be companywide or is this just in Arizona? Thanks
ReplyDeletePaula Creamer
ReplyDeleteWell, people already took some of my favorite golf terms, mashie niblick and worm burner.
ReplyDeleteHow about the 19th hole?
four-iron in the corporate nutsack!
ReplyDeleteDear Jim,
ReplyDeleteI just made a donation to your blog by credit card to express thanks for the hard work you continue to do for current and past Gannett employees. Without your blog everyone would be in the dark because Gannett is just that, a dark and evil company which does not value employees. For a "communications" company, Gannett does not practice communications with employees, stockholders and the public they rely upon. I urge all of my fellow Gannett blog readers to support Jim's work and this wonderful source of information. It's easy to make a donation right here on the computer without even using an envelope and stamp! No, I am not one of Jim's family.
Jim, you've been sick for awhile, haven't you? This Immpower stuff is expensive, but I find it helps me kick anything right out within a day: www.betterhealthinternational.com/productDetails.asp?prodID=AB1001
ReplyDeleteI've never ordered it from this particular site, though, and I'm not advertising, just sharing. I paid full price at Harmony Co., the bio research company's store.
Feel free to post or kill this as you moderate.
why are the packages different from site to site?? does anyone have any answers?? curious to know if the packages will decline? any thoughts?
ReplyDelete@1:16 - re 1 wk vs 2 wks severance: It just depends on what was offered at each round of layoff, at each site. At Cincinnati, the very first people laid off (involuntarily) back in 2005 or so, got 2 weeks. Then the next batch got 1 week, then in Aug, 2008, when they offered a voluntary severance package, they gave 2 weeks. But since then, it's only been 1 week offered.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI'm am trying to gather up as many former employees as possible who were wrongly fired by Gannett before seeing an attorney about filing a lawsuit on our behalf.
I'm choosing to remain annoyance for now, but I have told Jim my name, what I did for Gannett and where I worked. I want to remain anonymous out of concern of what Gannett legal would do if they learned my name. I understand if you want to remain anonymous for now, but please include your story and a legitimate email address where I can reach you.
So, to sum up, if you had been fired wrongly or if you know of a
co-worker who has been fired wrongly, please send me an email at
WronglyFiredbyGannett@gmail.com
Thank you and I will keep everyone posted on whats happening
UPDATE: So far I've had 15 former employees email me and am very close to seeing an attorney. It's my understanding that only 5 is needed for a class-action lawsuit, but would still like to go into the attorney with as many as possible. Thanks.
Jim:
ReplyDeleteIt was my understanding that the company would put $2,000 into our 401Ks after freezing our pensions last August. Has that been done? Will it continue for the seven years I believe the company promised at the time?
Anyone have an information on the contribution. It was supposed to be made this month.
Re severance: At my site, it was one week for every year worked, up to 26 weeks. Minimum severance was two weeks' pay, for people who had worked less than two years.tri
ReplyDelete1:16 AM -- The first round of voluntary buyouts were 2 for 1. After that, it was 1 for 1, voluntary or not. At least at my site.
ReplyDeleteIs Judge Smales on the board?
ReplyDelete11:48 am: I don't recall that $2,000 figure for company contributions to the 401(k), as a result of the pension freeze; does anyone else?
ReplyDeleteA friend who was laid off in Dec received their pension/401K paperwork last week. They found that they can convert their pension 4 different ways:
ReplyDelete1. Full Payout/Roll over
2. Annuity starting immediately at XXX a month until they die.
3. Annuity starting when they decide at XXX+ a month until they die.
4. Annuity with survivor benefits.
I thought Gannett stopped monthly pensions? At least for those at a certain age/length of service. This person would have been one of those.
Any ideas?
Yes, some folks from Corporate are in Westchester today. Looks like a dog a pony show, some of the most incompetent employees are trying to look important and trying to save their jobs. Corporate should pull aside some regular workers and ask what really goes on here, they have no clue how bad it is.
ReplyDeleteI sent you $10 via Paypal. Good luck!
ReplyDelete11:36 wrote:
ReplyDeleteThe first round of voluntary buyouts were 2 for 1. After that, it was 1 for 1, voluntary or not.
At my site there were no two-fer voluntary buyouts offered. They just went to the one-fers in the Sept 2008 layoffs. 'Course our publisher was elbowed out (ahem - I mean retired) right around that timeframe, so things may have gotten a bit wonky as a result.
So. What's the unofficial word on how the ContentOne/Inaugural thing went?
ReplyDelete-Lots of page views?
-Lots of trinket sales?
-Reader feedback?
-Paper sales?
Also, what's this newly announced 4INFO thing mean?
12:00-Anon---Corporate should be told about the incompetent leadership in Westchester--Journal News.The VP and Directors are sorry encuses for management. To think that they tout that they deliver 1300 El Diarios is utterly ridiculous. CORPORATE WAKE UP OR THE CIRCULATION WILL BE AT 80,000---OR---LOWER
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know of a good site with details on how to cut back on expenses? What level of car insurance? Suggestions on cheaper cell phone & Internet plans. How to stretch the dollar type stuff?
ReplyDelete10:45 AM et al – The answer as to why one week vs. two is frankly, profits and greed.
ReplyDeleteWhen Cincinnati terminated positions at its weeklies’ operation in early 2007 those employees received only one-week. Two weeks was the originally discussed plan but given their tenure and Gannett’s profit demands that was too costly. A few months later, when people were let go at the daily, two weeks was provided - this all at the same business unit.
The practice then, as now across Gannett, appears actionable. And, despite claims that will undoubtedly be used regarding Gannett’s numerous incorporations, the company is still lead - albeit into the ground -by McLean.
Re: Westchester--
ReplyDeleteTomorrow at 2 p.m. EST, Gannett Digital and The Journal News/LoHud.com will co-present the latest 60-minute Mini-Summit, Webcast live from White Plains, N.Y. I invite you to check it out by tuning in to http://www.gannettdigital.com/extranet or http://www.LoHud.com/interactivity at that hour.
You will hear from both local and corporate executives envisioning how we might build organic online communities through blogging networks, microsites, search analysis, algorithms, and other tools. We’ll explore how emerging technologies might allow us to cultivate many communities around local passion topics, and how we might earn revenue in new ways. This discussion will link both to innovations you’ll see in Westchester and forward, placing it in context with the big forces that are re-shaping – and reinforcing – our role as the primary online source of local news and advertising.
A key takeaway for local operating units will be how you can adapt and build on the groundbreaking work of our colleagues in Westchester. They have advanced public service journalism, built and bolstered loyal audiences around local and pro sports and created advertising and marketing value through an innovative system of related interactive storytelling tools that are available to us all right now. You’ll see a lot of show-and-tell that’s relevant to the goals each of you have.
Throughout the hour, you will be able to use the CoverItLive chat tool pose live questions to the panelists.
Looking forward to seeing you online tomorrow.
All the best,
Mackenzie Warren
So ... what exactly goes on in Westchester?
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteI just sent you $10.00 for your effort and energy in keeping me entertained and better informed.
Thanks again,
former Cincinnati Enquirer employee
"Groundbreaking work of our colleagues in Westchester" This has to be a joke! The Mogulus feed hardly ever works and the videos will put you to sleep. If corporate thinks this is the model to follow, the future of the company is in serious trouble.
ReplyDelete"You will hear from both local and corporate executives envisioning how we might build organic online communities through blogging networks, microsites, search analysis, algorithms, and other tools."
ReplyDeleteRelated sites:
www.grasping_at_straws.net
www.didnt_we_try_this_before.com
11:57, I would take the lump sum payout. Money now is always worth more than money down the road (inflation, etc.).
ReplyDeleteHere’s a cost saving thought for Craig: Keep all the frequent flyer miles earned by Gannett’s high milers.
ReplyDeleteOther company’s have done it. And, given that Craig routinely uses the term economic headwinds it seems more than appropriate that those miles are used to pay for company flights in the future vs. having to use Gannett’s cash.
And, in regard to the Jet, sell the empty seats on eBay.
Tomorrow at 2 p.m. EST, Gannett Digital and The Journal News/LoHud.com will co-present the latest 60-minute Mini-Summit, Webcast live from White Plains, N.Y.
ReplyDeleteYou will hear from both local and corporate executives envisioning how we might build organic online communities through blogging networks, organic , search analysis, algorithms, and other tools. We’ll explore how emerging technologies might allow us to cultivate many communities around local passion topics, and how we might earn revenue in new ways. This discussion will link both to innovations you’ll see in Westchester and forward, placing it in context with the big forces that are re-shaping – and reinforcing – our role as the primary online source of local news and advertising.
A key takeaway for local operating units will be how you can adapt and build on the groundbreaking work of our colleagues in Westchester. They have advanced public service journalism, built and bolstered loyal audiences around local and pro sports and created advertising and marketing value through an innovative system of related interactive storytelling tools that are available to us all right now. You’ll see a lot of show-and-tell that’s relevant to the goals each of you have.
Throughout the hour, you will be able to use the CoverItLive chat tool pose live questions to the panelists.
Jeebus Christmas, it's buzzword bingo!
envisioning
organic
blogging networks
search analysis
algorithms
tools
emerging
local
passion
innovations
context
takeaway
interactive
storytelling
Who won the waffle iron?
Interesting the subject is about golf, a game that requires integrity, where you keep your own score, and call penalties on yourself? Anyone think a Gannett executive is capable of that?
ReplyDeleteTo Detail on Cutting back:
ReplyDeletelowermybills.com
What isn't wrong in West Chester ????
ReplyDeleteIs anyone listening in on Mackenzie Warren's webcast from LoHud.Com? Gannett honestly seems to believe that video streams and chats are some amazing new technology. How is this anything but cheerleading for Mogulus and Content One?
ReplyDelete12:31
ReplyDeleteBy far the BEST guide to frugal living is Amy Daczycn and The Tightwad Gazette. She started as a newsletter then compiled into a 3books by same name. She does not have a web site, as it has been well over 10 years since she quite the newsletter. She MIGHT be a bit dated now, but really inspirational on how to think frugally.
Sorry Jim about being off subject a bit.
Bob Dickey's team score is available at:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bhcc.com/09amateurteams.html?order=rnd1
last time corporate showed up, we closed tuscon.
ReplyDeleteNice to know you, westchester.
1:58 PM writ: I would take the lump sum payout. Money now is always worth more than money down the road (inflation, etc.).
ReplyDeleteMight want to check on that. Heavy tax consequences for taking lump sums out before retirement age. I did the math. Even at a 2% annual return, it just didn't make sense.
YMMV.
simpleliving.net
ReplyDeleteclarkhoward.com
Does one really "build" an organic community? I always thought something "organic" grew on its own ... guess I just don't have those that core "envisioning" skill set.
ReplyDelete3:38 you beat me too it! By organic, we mean that employees will be asked to pose as legitimate moms/gardeners etc and pimp their personal experiences to save their jobs.
ReplyDeleteThat, and organic reminds me that I am very hungry. Where is that tasty online community anyway?
The webcast from Westchester was brutal to watch. The management from The Journal News looked beat up and defeated, there was no believable tone in their voices. The management from corporate sounded a little more upbeat but I guess they are use to believing in their own bullshit.
ReplyDeleteSome words/phrases that were redundantly used:
INNOVATION
UMBRELLA SITE
AUDIENCE
NICHE
MICRO COMMUNITIES
MULTIPLE HAT ROLES
NEW WAY OF THINKING
MICRO SITES
CONTENT
CURATING
There are plenty of organic communities out there. How about having reporters just get out there and report the news. That's what people want.
ReplyDeleteOops. I forgot about Ripple6 and behavioral targeting and selling audiences to advertisers.
Never mind.
Isn't this an organic community? And you see how well corporate values this.
ReplyDelete4:12---If you think that the webcast was brutal---try working there. Westchester's elite management staff look beat up and defeated ALL the time-because they are brain dead. Think about a paper going from 300,00/day to 90,000/day AND still falling. Yet these missle scientists continue to hold jobs ! GO FIGURE !!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCaddy Shack the Gannett way
ReplyDeleteTo 12:20 re 4Info
ReplyDeleteThis from WSJ:
Mobile marketing network 4INFO plans to announce Thursday that it has received $20 million in venture funding led by Peacock Equity, a joint venture between NBC Universal and GE Commercial Finance’s media, communications and entertainment business.
4INFO works with media companies, including Yahoo (YHOO), IAC/InterActiveCorp. (IACZ) and Gannett (GCI) to provide weather updates, sports scores and other information via text messages that contain small ads. The Silicon Valley start-up sends more text messages in the U.S., by volume, than any other provider, according to Nielsen. 4INFO says it delivers more than 80 million user-requested text messages per month and that its network includes 16 million users.
We've had 4Info linked to our websites for a long time.
I would like to hear from people who have been laid off just what steps they took to save money and then pass them along to others in the same situation or soon to be in the situation. It is amazing how much you can cut if you take a pencil to it.
ReplyDeleteThis job ad at JournalismJobs.com is kind of a sad sign of the times...
ReplyDelete"Post-Newsweek Media, Inc., a stable media company in the Washington, D.C., area..."
5:09. I got laid off in December. We have eliminated eating out at sit-down restaurants, movies, clothing (unless really needed), the occasional bottle or wine, unnecessary trips around town(to save gas). We turned down the heat in our house by two degrees. We only rent DVDs from the $1 a night Red Box vending machine, as opposed to the video stores. We didn't give gifts on Christmas. At the grocery store we are buying more store brands and watching for sales. That's about all we can do right now. It isn't fun at our age (over 50), but when Gannett unexpectedly ended my career, we had to immediately do something. I have had no luck finding a job and have to come to terms with my newspaper career being over about a decade prior to what I was planning thanks to a boss who saw fit to use the corporate layoffs to get rid of me for personal reasons. Believe me, and I say this with all modesty, I was not one of the people anyone would have guessed would have been laid off. Regardless, this is where I am. I expect it to get worse long before it gets better. We are constantly looking for new things to cut, and may have to sell our home by summer. I have no insurance and am pretty realistic about my prospects, of lack of at this age. Everyone talks about racial discrimination, but in the job market, I believe age discrimination is far worse.
ReplyDelete5:09: I'm "only" 49, but why do people think other people "of a certain age" have nothing to offer? I am a much better journalist now than at 23. Although I'm not as sharp in certain areas, my experience more than makes up for this, and I have always been able to adapt to technological changes. It's funny, journalism, with all its high ideals, tends to be the biggest offender. I rarely see people in their upper 50s in the field. Maybe they had to leave for financial reasons, but more likely, I think the companies pushed them out--for financial reasons.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about age discrimination. It's horrible. Companies like Gannett will allow ageism, and will continue their ageists practices until it costs them more than it's worth, I think.
ReplyDeleteThe only way it will cost more is when people stand up and refuse to take it.
Very few industries don't discriminate against those workers over age 50. Besides working in education or medical fields, you'd be hard pressed to find a new job, let alone a new career, after age 50 in this economy. Some are lucky, and give many of us the rah-rah speech, but I am realist. I look at the statistics. I look at my own efforts and see the results. This isn't easy! That's why what happened in December to some undeserving older souls was so tragic. Add into the equation that most of those over 50s have only worked in newsrooms during their adult lives, and well, you can see why this might be the group suffering the most from the layoffs. I for one would have gladly taken a pay cut or transferred almost anywhere (including other papers or web sites) rather than be laid off. But the Gannett paper where I worked didn't even consider that, even though I had a variety of skills that would have made moving me into a new job fairly easy. I will never forgive that managing editor or that paper for casting me out of the business in one of the worst economies at a terribly difficult age. I certainly don't feel old. My skills, including tech skills, are pretty darn good. I feel I have much to offer, either at another paper, web site or other type of publication. And I like to consider myself a decent human being. Yet, here I am, going into month three without even a sniff of a new job. I honestly don't know how my former boss sleeps at night. I am not saying everyone who got laid off in December didn't have significant flaws. You could say that GCI used the layoffs to clear out some dead wood. But the layoffs also claimed some very good people who for one reason or another got on the wrong side of someone with a bit too much power and not enough oversight. So the company lost some talented older workers who were willing to be flexible, and the former employees lost a paycheck and in many cases, a career. If I ran Gannett, I would investigate the reasons given for each and every laid off employee, see whether some major mistakes were made by small-minded editors, and try to reclaim some of that lost talent. Of course, that won't happen. And tragically, some of the same editors who laid off staffers for all the wrong reasons, will probably drive out other good people one way or another. Until GCI head honchos identify these corrupt editors, the company will continue to spiral downward.
ReplyDeleteBoy, didn't we all expect so much more when we entered this business... and instead, we got a slice of Enron and politics and petty behaviors. We are victimized by greed and held hostage by a corporation that refuses to admit to mistakes. A company that has lost what little heart it ever had. Where are the journalists investigating this business? Where are the backbones in editors? Where are the ethics? And why isn't the media in shining more light on age discrimination in every business? Now that we have an African-American president, can we look at other areas of society that are collapsing because of unjust behaviors? We are all going to get old. I hope the media, whether at GCI or elsewhere, begins to understand that folks over 50 have to be given a fair chance to work and begins uncovering all that is wrong in the job market concerning older workers.
I also find it very disturbing that Gannett and other corporations find 50 as “old“. It is a mind set and not a reality. While I worked for Gannett about 10 years ago I worked with all age groups and races and we all were a great supportive team. No one ever questioned age or race. We didn't see it — we just knew we had a job to get done. I was the youngster then and it never even crossed my mind that someone was older than me. I learned the ropes from these people and respected them. Now, there is a whole new generation that does not respect older individuals for their experience and knowledge. I hear them complaining they are “old” at 30! I feel very sorry for them because it will be even harder for them, than for ourselves, when they reach our age. 100 is old is to me. Age is a feeling, not a number. Please discount their ignorance and move on. Yes, the job market is tough and yes, they do want younger workers because they can pay them less. BUT, and that's a big but, you are experienced in so many more things than the younger workers and you have the confidence to present yourself that way to propective employers. There will be another employer who will thank his/her lucky stars that you have work ethic and drive and will work your butt off to get the job done rather than the youngsters that want their cake and eat it too. Please don't get me wrong, there are many talented and hard working younger individuals — but not all, just like the 50 plus. It is not fair to judge anyone — whether race, sexual preference or age. Now, go out and get that job!
ReplyDelete7:05 PM
ReplyDeleteI'm finding the media is beginning to shine a light on age discrimination more and more each day.
It won't be a bright light, though, until after the people who are calling out the companies on their illegal behavior win some hefty paying cases.
Unfortunately, that's what it is going to take. I have confidence that we boomers will bring about this change, too, and our actions today will result in the beginnings of a truly diverse workforce.
Now, about other companies, I can tell you my Gannett experience was the ONLY place I worked where gross mistreatment of people just because they happened to be "mature" was tolerated. It made me sick.
12:31, yes the replies you got so far are good. You'll find Tightwad Gazette book at most libraries.
ReplyDeleteAlso check out the forums at frugalvillage.net -- lively bunch who love to answer questions; beingfrugal.net is a national blog with lots of readers; and dozens of frugal bloggers send their best posts each week to www.festivaloffrugality.com.
Those of you who twitter ... several of the nationally known frugal bloggers are also tweeting.
Now, unless you live in an area that a frugal blogger has adopted as his / her beat (my blog is based in SE Michigan), you'll have to adapt what is being written for a national audience for your local circumstances.
So imagine that you are localizing a wire story as you read that stuff -- are the tips spurring you to remember where the thrift shops are in your town? whether your library has free wireless Internet? is there a Community Supported Agriculture farm or market in your town? etc.
Centralized HR? Which company is this you are speaking about?
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of golf games...my wife would kisses my balls for good luck prior to a big game. That sure would make your putter stand up.
ReplyDeleteHey 5:09: I've been doing that for a while and I still have my job.
ReplyDeleteTreatment of older workers often, I've found, is based on the generally higher salaries that employees who've been around a while earn.
ReplyDeleteI've read on this blog several posts from people saying younger people were hired at likely much less than they were when they were let go, and shortly after the layoffs. From personal experience in dealing with confidential executive discussions I can tell you that salary does make a big difference.
Nasty stuff.
I'm not saying the company doesn't have a right to determine what it will pay workers, but the concept that older workers are being cleaned out to make way for cheaper young people very likely can be proven with the process of discovery that will accompany some EEOC filing. And if it were proven, especially under a Democrat regime, the company is cooked.
Allow me the observation that Gannett may be treating this as it does many of its daily routines: Bully and deny. Dare you to take them on.
That's a dangerous and even irresponsible course of action with so many reports of older workers getting the door. Hey people in the tower: the word is out.
It's part of the fallout from repeated failed strategies that have taken the stock down to next to no practical value.
It also says a lot about a value that became corrupted during the frenzy over Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. The fact is, character does count, and it seems to be lacking in high circles at GCI.
Hey Jim-
ReplyDeleteLong time listener, first time caller.
Have you ever thought about creating a talent exchange type of community/or jobs wanted site/section for former Gannett employees on this blog?
In other words, I work for an ad agency and often outsource graphic design, PR, writing, photography, etc.
It would be beneficial for me to be aware of services/prices that I could obtain from former Gannett employees.
Or is there somewhere else that already compiles this info?
So what if he is playing golf.....he paid for it out of his own pocket.....what you should be whinning about is how money is wasted in other ways in Gannett, and not just in the corp. office, at your current office look around, what about the Publisher at your site.....does he or she have a company Lexus?
ReplyDelete8:34 PM wrote:
ReplyDelete"Speaking of golf games...my wife would kisses my balls for good luck prior to a big game. That sure would make your putter stand up."
Good thing Johnny Carson is dead, or he'd sue for plagiarism.
Adding to 5:47...
ReplyDeleteOnly buy sale items at Kroger and Meijer. Weekly home cooked menu revolves around which meat items are on sale. All other groceries are from Wal-Mart - which I hate doing but have no choice. Cable has been downgraded. Switched internet provider to take advantage of an introductory offer. The local library lends DVDs for free, so no more going to the movies or the video store. Obtained a cheap Net10 pay as you go cell phone - they seem to have the lowest rate for refilling minutes.
The job market is as bad as advertised. Most openings are adamant about previous experience in their industry. A lifetime of experience at newspapers is utterly worthless. Even if relocating to another city for a newspaper job is an option, it seems like a ridiculous thing to do.
I agree the obvious age discrimination in the layoffs is to get the higher salaries off the books, and not because quality of work is perceived as inferior.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree it's an anomaly of this labor cycle.
For NJ unemployment insurance, we have to go to a cattle call with a counselor. I counted the apparent ages of the couple of hundred people there. More than 75% were over 50, I estimate.
The other day at one of the training session required, people were talking about previous high unemployment cycles. I asked who remembered it ever hitting predominantly, and in some industries almost exclusively, the most tenured workers instead of the least senior workers. No one had. I asked the dozen or so people to look around and think about how many people in that room were under age 50. Only one might have been. The silence and the looks on everyone's face spoke volumes.
I'll tell you what I told them. This is a matter to take up with our federal lawmakers. I believe federal anti-discrimination laws already prohibit these ruthless tactics. We have to demand enforcement. If existing laws don't cover it, we need new ones. SSA already moved our retirement to collect regular Social Security almost four years beyond what our parents' generation retired at. Our parents aren't living like kings and queens, and they got to finish their careers at the top of their industry pay scales, for the most part. We're having to start over at minimum wage jobs, if we're lucky to get them, around age 50, with another 18 or 19 years to go to SS retirement, and those low salaries for 18 or 19 years will hurt that SS check.
Are the baby boomers supposed to just curl up and die, after all the surplus we've put into all the retirement systems the last 30 years, only to be squandered by an idiot in the White House and greedy pimps on Wall Street?
This pattern demands legislative attention.
12:39 AM
ReplyDeleteFirst, the laws are on the books. We have the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. It protects the employment rights of people 40 and over in hiring, firing, transfers, promotions, etc. Like it or not, people 40 and over are in a protected class.
The EEOC investigates individual claims of age discrimnation once they're filed.
I found filing to be a simple process with a simple form. I also found the EEOC to be a friendly, helpful and professional group to deal with. (Can't credit the new administration. This all happened a while back.) You can file solo or have an attorney.
Once you file the claim, they put the company on notice. After the notice, no retaliation is allowed. (In other words, they can't fire you for filing the claim.)
The EEOC investigates, submits findings and sends notification, letting you know what your rights are in courts and all.
At first, I stewed and fretted about filing. I thought my name would pop up in some public data base somewhere. It didn't.
I'm proud of what I did. Someone has to speak out in favor of creating a truly diverse workforce.
If I had it to do over, I would have sent the age discrimination claim BEFORE instead of after my employment ended.
Anonymous 8:59,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good idea -- even a freebie classified section widget or personals area attached to this site might work. I outsource graphic design here and there, and might do it more often if I knew that I was helping a former Gannetter pay a few bills. I usually use college students or friends of friends, but no one has proven reliable for me to have any loyalty to. I've been putting stuff on Freecycle lately, too, but I'd sure rather "keep it in the family."
3:18 - you're right on the tax consequences IF you decide to tap that money rather than roll it over into a retirement account - i.e., IRA or something similar. But even if you have to tap into that to pay for certain expenses, I believe you can still avoid some tax penalties. And the thing is, you never know what is going to happen - you may not be around long enough to collect on that monthly annuity - which also loses value as inflation rises. You're still better off taking the cash now and parking it.
ReplyDelete