Los Angeles Times guild stages a 1-day walkout in protest of anticipated layoffs

LOS ANGELES — Guild members of the Los Angeles Times walked off the job Friday to protest what they say are impending layoffs, the newsroom’s first work stoppage in the paper’s 143-year history.

The newspaper’s journalists and their supporters gathered in an LA city park, chanting and waving signs that read “Don’t Cut Our Future.” The guild said members would also protest in other cities.

The guild said in a statement that the Times plans to lay off a “significant” number of journalists, but the union could not specify the number because management has pushed for negotiations in meetings that are not open to the public. The guild also said the newspaper wants to remove seniority protection.

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a biotech billionaire, acquired the Times in 2018 and returned it to local ownership 20 years after it was sold to Tribune Co. The purchase raised hopes after years of budget cuts, declining circulation and changes in leadership.

Last week, editor-in-chief Kevin Merida abruptly left after a 2.5-year term in office. In June, more than seventy positions – approximately 13% of the newsroom – were cut.

A representative for the Times told the newspaper that revenue projections are being revised and expenses are being carefully scrutinized.

“We must reduce our operating budget this year and anticipate layoffs,” spokeswoman Hillary Manning said in a statement.