Two more Guild members take buyout, Company can’t yet provide clear picture on future

The extended deadline for people to apply for buyouts yielded two additional members, but we’re not out of the woods yet.

The Times Union notified the Guild on Thursday that two buyouts had been accepted by the Company, but couldn’t say when or how many employees may have to be laid off.

We hope to know more early next week, but in the meantime, the Guild wants to work with members on tackling workplace issues and coming up with solutions that improve our work environment.

A reduction in the workforce puts added stress on all of us, and all employees should have a seat at the table to discuss how we can move forward.

Over the years, we’ve seen the Times Union shrink significantly, losing talented employees along the way. We certainly are not alone. Newspapers across the country have been gutted, skeletons of what they once were.

During these times, each employee plays a vital role in ensuring the product gets out to subscribers. We’ve heard from members recently about issues with scheduling and not getting management support.

But as a Guild, we have the opportunity to address that and offer solutions to other workplace issues, so everyone enjoys a better work environment.

Any members who have ideas and want to be a part of the dialogue should contact the Guild at amanda@albanyguild.org.