French N.B. daily newspaper cuts 6 staff, freezes wages
Last Updated: Thursday, June 18, 2009 | 11:19 AM AT
CBC News
New Brunswick's only French-language daily newspaper is cutting costs by laying off six workers and cancelling a pay increase that was to go into effect on July 1.
L'Acadie Nouvelle reported in its Thursday edition that the employees losing their jobs include two photographers and a sports reporter.
Francis Sonier, assistant general manager of L'Acadie Nouvelle, said the newspaper has seen a 10 per cent drop in revenue since the economy began faltering.
Sonier said the paper was forced to make cuts even though it is doing better than other newspapers with similar circulation levels.
He said the cuts could have been worse if the staff did not accept some concessions.
"We explained to the union that we have a choice to cut lots of jobs or all the employees will have to do something to help the company," Sonier said.
Not only are employees at the Caraquet-based newspaper having their wages frozen, but they are also being forced to take one week of unpaid leave.
As well, the paper will no longer publish on statutory holidays.
L'Acadie Nouvelle is the only daily in New Brunswick that is not controlled by the Irving-owned Brunswick News Inc.
