Fired Sun-Times photogs picket outside newspaper
Former Sun-Times photographers, supporters picket newspaper to protest layoffs
CHICAGO (AP) -- Former Chicago Sun-Times photographers and supporters are protesting the newspaper's decision to lay off its entire full-time photography staff.
About 100 people picketed outside the newspaper's headquarters Thursday, chanting and carrying signs that read "Save the photogs." Some Sun-Times reporters also joined the protest.
The newspaper fired all 28 full-time photographers last week, saying it was shifting toward more online video. It says it now will rely on freelancers and reporters for pictures and video.
The layoffs included photographers and editors at the Sun-Times' sister publications in the suburbs.
The Chicago Newspaper Guild is asking the National Labor Relations Board to rule that the Sun-Times bargained in bad faith. Guild Executive Director Craig Rosenbaum says the company told the union during contract negotiations that no photographer layoffs were planned.
