ATLANTA — Channel 2 Action News has obtained an internal memo from Turner Broadcasting asking workers 55 and older if they would take a buyout.
More layoffs also are expected later this year as the company streamlines operations and seeks to cut costs.
Channel 2's Dave Huddleston talked to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed about the changes and the loss of so many jobs.
"I hope ya'll cut me some slack today. I've been on the phone begging for some jobs," Reed said to business leaders at the Buckhead Club Tuesday afternoon.
Channel 2 Action News obtained a copy of a new memo that offers a voluntary separation program for 55-year-old employees with 10 years of service with the company.
The full memo said:
To support the company's stated focus on programming, monetization and innovation, we are identifying cost savings and shifting capital allocations to high-growth areas where investment will drive growth and profitability. As part of these efforts, we are offering a Voluntary Separation Program to regular status Turner Broadcasting employees on Turner's U.S. payroll working in the U.S. and who are at least age 55 and have 10 or more years of service as of December 31, 2014, excluding on-air talent and employees covered by a written employment agreement.<br/> <br/> Today, employees meeting these eligibility requirements will receive a confidential, personalized email detailing the program, its benefits and deadlines for acceptance, which is strictly voluntary. This enhanced benefit offering is just one vehicle the company is implementing as part of a comprehensive plan. Given the current focus on reducing costs and prioritizing investments to maximize company performance, Turner will also undertake additional reductions in staffing.<br/> <br/> We are grateful to the tenured employees whose service and dedication to Turner Broadcasting have made an indelible mark on our business success.
Executives with Turner have announced they plan to do "less with less."
Reed told Huddleston that he's been in talks with Turner executives.
"Obviously we care a great deal about Turner and CNN and what it means to the city of Atlanta. And right now we're just having conversations that (at) this time have to remain private," Reed said.
But he says the loss of 600 jobs, possibly more, will be a tremendous loss to the city.
"To see that, the heritage places at risk, and more importantly than that, to see the number of individuals who may be affected by this, that's been my No. 1 thought. It's been what I've been focused on," Reed said.
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