Posted on 12/13/2012 1:33:01 PM PST by Hojczyk
You could call it the “Hunger Games” approach to layoffs – one that’s getting a big thumbs-down from workplace experts.
The Kansas City Star recently told two of its journalists, Karen Dillon and Dawn Bormann, that only one of them could keep her job -- and the employees themselves would have to decide who should leave the company, according to the media blog JimRomenesko.com.
Dillion confirmed the report in an e-mail to NBC News, but did not provide any more details. The investigative reporter has worked for the Kansas City Star since 1991, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Bormann did not answer an e-mail seeking comment. She reportedly is leaving the company, according to KC Confidential, a blog that covers Kansas City issues.
On Monday, Mi-Ai Parrish, president and publisher of the Kansas City Star, announced in a memo to staffers a new round of layoffs -- the third since she joined the company in 2011, according to MediaKC, a blog that covers media issues.
In a statement e-mailed to NBC News late Wednesday, Parrish said the paper was cutting its workforce by 17 positions.
"These are always difficult decisions, so we will on occasion allow employees to volunteer for a severance package when we are reducing in areas where there are two or more of the same types of positions," Parrish said.
She added that if an employee in a group does not volunteer, "then the person with the least amount of tenure is included in the severance program."
Parrish declined further comment on personnel decisions.
Workplace experts said it’s practically unheard of for a company to take this approach when deciding who to terminate – for good reason.
“I would strongly caution any organization from insourcing layoff decisions to the employees.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcnews.com ...
Wow I feel...absolutely nothing but humor to watch a bunch of butthead reporters losing their jobs.
I guess all those stories they write about the roaring economy are lies....
With management skills like this, how could the newspaper possibly be in financial straits?
When false prophets are put in a cage with only one coming out, it’s only half a good thing.
The Kansas City Star recently told two of its journalists, Karen Dillon and Dawn Bormann, that only one of them could keep her job — and the employees themselves would have to decide who should leave the company, according to the media blog JimRomenesko.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reminds me of an old joke....
Revised for the occasion.
Jack and Jill were two very fine reporters for the Kansas City Star. But times were tough.
One day the editor called Jill into his office and said; “Times are tough. I’m afraid I have to lay you or Jack off.”
Jill said; “Well you’re not laying me, so you better start....”
Sacked? Or hop in the sack (to save your job)?
Yet another reason I don’t subscribe to that rag.
Normally I would be apalled at this decision but since it involves employees of the MSM then I'm all for it.
In fact, I have several scenarios such as a cage fight or even a "Survivor" episode where the employer drops both of them in the middle of south Los Angeles and keeps the one who survives..........
We’re adding a little something to this month’s sales contest. As you all know,
first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado.
Second prize is a set of steak knives.
Third prize is you’re fired.
The way I heard it was:
Jill replies, “Well you’re gonna have to ____ ___ ‘cause my ride’s already here.”
The Joker: [to Gambol’s thugs, being held helpless by his own] Now, our operation is small, but there’s a lot of potential for “aggressive” expansion. So, which one of you fine gentlemen would like to join our team? Oh, there’s only one spot open right now, so we’re gonna have...
[breaks pool cue over knee]
The Joker: Tryouts.
[throws broken pool cue at the thugs]
The Joker: Make it fast.
They didn’t have to fire anybody; they could have offered them the opportunity to continue working without pay.
ping
Unemployment benefits are a huge boost to the economy!(/S)
The atmosphere will only get more toxic.
“OK Boss. We both agree - you should be layed off.”
Tell the employees it is a fight to the finish, everything goes, no holds barred.
Then see how many stand by their ‘principled’ opposition to the 2nd Amendment.
(It’s what the rest of the nation is going to be facing BECAUSE of the media...reporters may as well get used to it too.)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.