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The Blade tells the state it intends to close Dec. 31 and lay off its 116 workers
116Blade employees affected by the closure notice
The state WARN notice lists 116 affected employees.
Sources: 13abc.com, Cleveland.com
The Blade filed a notice with the state on Friday saying it intends to close by Dec. 31 and lay off its 116 workers. 13abc reports they will be let go permanently, with no bumping or reemployment rights.
It's not a surprise. Block Communications, the paper's owner, said last month it would close The Blade if it couldn't find a buyer, and President Jodi Miehls cited years of financial losses. The notice says Block is still pursuing a sale, effects bargaining and severance pay to "mitigate or avoid the closure."
“It's disappointing that Block Communications would rather shutter the paper than work toward an equitable contract.”
Lillian King, Blade features writer and Guild bargaining chair
In August, Toledo NewsGuild members voted 46-25 to reject a two-year contract offer. Union leaders objected to language they said would let work be outsourced to artificial intelligence, freelancers, managers or other sources.
The Blade's closing notice follows months of contract talks
- AugustToledo NewsGuild members vote 46-25 to reject a two-year contract offer.
- SeptemberBlock Communications says it intends to close The Blade if it can't find a buyer.
- Oct. 23The Blade files its WARN notice with the state.
- Dec. 31The Blade intends to close, and its workers are let go permanently.
Sources: Cleveland.com, 13abc.com
- Age: nearly 200 years in Toledo
- Downtown office: left early this year after occupying it since 1927
- Sister paper: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sold to Vernoulis Institute for Local Journalism