Guild asks AP to cut social media rules

Editor & Publisher reports that the News Media Guild has formally asked the AP to remove controversial social media rules it instituted last month.

The Guild, which represents about 1,500 Associated Press employees, is asking the AP to remove the rules because of concerns employees have voiced since the rules were announced to employees, June 18.
The rules include a requirement that employees delete comments of friends that could violate the AP's Ethics Policy. This stipulation is the cause of much concern and anger from AP employees who feel the measure to be instrusive.
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Associated Press buys out veteran staff

Word that the Associated Press is offering buyouts got out Monday. The buyouts were offered three weeks ago with little publicity. The News Media Guild said the move was part of AP's attempt to reduce its labor costs by 10 percent.
The news organization is offering $500 for each year of service and pension benefits increased 14 to 16 percent.
The offers target hundreds of veteran staff. Employees who take the buyout must be at least 55 years of age, have worked at the AP at least 10 years, and their age and years of service must total up to 75.
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