Birmingham News cuts costs with 2-week unpaid leave, benefits freeze

The Birmingham News is cutting costs to battle the tough economy. Full-time non-union employees will take 10-day unpaid leave. Also, the newspaper will freeze benefit accruals in the pension plan starting May 15, though it will double 401(k) company matching.

Publisher Victor Hanson III cited declining advertising as the problem. In 2008, the News reduced staff with voluntary buyouts and early retirements.

Also:

• Birmingham Weekly: State newspaper employees face furloughs, pension freeze
• Editor and Publisher: Advance Announces Company-wide Furloughs