Dozens of Chicago Tribune staffers take buyouts

Nearly 40 Chicago Tribune staffers are taking buyouts as part of a voluntary program, the outlet reported on Tuesday.

In an email, Chicago Tribune Guild President Greg Pratt said that 24 staffers in the union applied for and were granted buyouts; three union staffers had their requests denied.

Pratt added that a dozen other nonunion staffers have accepted buyouts, as well. 

Pratt also said it’s sad that the newspaper is losing respected journalists.

“It’s important to know that outstanding journalists are going to stick around, too, and we will continue doing vital work for our readers,” he wrote.

Former Tribune columnists, including Mary Schmich and Dahleen Glanton, shared the news of their departure from the newspaper. 

Today, I am honoring my dad, who told me in 1989 that it was time for me to “get a job and keep it.” So, I did for 32 years. Now, I’ve decided to take the buyout and will be leaving the Chicago Tribune this week along with many of my colleagues. It’s been a wonderful ride!

— Dahleen Glanton (@dahleeng) June 20, 2021

A little voice has long told me, “When it’s time to go, you’ll know.” It’s time. I leave the @chicagotribune with deep gratitude for my colleagues, the Tribune readers and the people whose stories have helped me understand the world. https://t.co/j8k6wgoLFI

— Mary Schmich (@MarySchmich) June 19, 2021

“A little voice has long told me, ‘When it’s time to go, you’ll know.’ It’s time. I leave the @chicagotribune with deep gratitude for my colleagues, the Tribune readers and the people whose stories have helped me understand the world,” Schmich wrote on Twitter. 

The buyouts come after hedge fund Alden Global Capital completed its $663 million purchase of Tribune Publishing assets in May. 

Alden is known for cutting newsrooms staff by half and is the second-largest newspaper owner in the country behind Gannett.

In an email to staffers, Chicago Tribune editor-in-chief Colin McMahon said the newsroom losses will be tough but the Tribune still “retains its own reserve of tremendous talent, passion and grit.”

The Hill has reached out to the Chicago Tribune for comment.