From a former Sun-Times colleague comes news of the buyout happening today at the paper:
Howard Wolinsky:
I formally notified the Sun-Times this afternoon that I intend to take a buyout.
We are facing a 20 percent staff cut. But the company offered people 55 and above one year’s salary plus health coverage for up to five years.
It was an attractive offer.
Besides, I could save someone else’s job.
My boss, Dan Miller, who has resigned as well, told me not to be altruistic. I won’t be. Still, someone else, and I do know who it is, is breathing easier today, at least for the short run.
I will miss my Sun-Times colleagues and wish them and the paper well.
After nearly 27 years on the job, and more than 4,000 bylines, it was way past time for a change.
I am excited and optimistic about the next step in my life.
I have a mix of opportunities. Of course, I don’t know if they will all come to be.
So I am looking for more ideas and leads so I would appreciate hearing from you.
One of our designers made a button that I proudly wore this afternoon:
“Be nice to me…I took the buyout.”
Howard
Update: A source tells me that today was the deadline for overage-55 workers to accept the buyout. As of 4:30 Chicago time only eight of the 27 took it.
Next week is the buyout deadline for the under 55 crowd.
Howard’s about 60. I’m glad for him, but I’m totally, totally going to miss his byline. He’s a really gifted reporter. They let too many good people get away from the Sun-Times. This carnage is brutal. It feels like things are going to get worse before they get better. Godspeed to you, Howard!