Layoffs at SaltWire and Chronicle Herald

From The Globe and Mail.

Layoffs at Atlantic Canada’s largest newspaper chain are necessary because the properties were facing bankruptcy, according to the CEO of Postmedia Network Inc., who says his company’s purchase of the troubled assets prevented a “terrible tragedy and travesty” for the region.

In an interview Friday, days after the Toronto-based media company finalized its $1-million purchase of insolvent SaltWire Network Inc. and the Halifax Herald Ltd., Andrew MacLeod said he didn’t have specifics on how many people have so far lost their job. The situation is a “fluid process,” he said.

A day earlier, media union CWA Canada said more than 60 SaltWire staff had been laid off, while nearly 300 remained employed until their future is decided by Postmedia.