The new owners of A Bola newspaper are moving forward with a layoff process that could affect 60 employees after calling several professionals to meetings in this regard, the president of the Union of Journalists told Lusa on Tuesday.
According to Luis Simoes, the management of Ringier Sports Media Group, which recently bought the publication, “calls a lot of people and comes up with proposals that employees devalue”.
According to the union leader, who also works at the publication, which also includes television and digital, there could be about 60 employees on the table from a group that currently numbers about 150 people.
Luís Simões advises those affected by layoffs to seek legal advice, pointing out that there are people “with more than 20 or 40 years of service” who should be called to meetings.
The union leader also indicated that several employees have already accepted the proposals and criticized the company for trying to complete the process too quickly.
Contacted by Lusa, the Ringier Sports Media Group said it is “committed to preserving A Bola’s legacy while securing its future”, assuring that “changes are inevitable for this purpose and to ensure that A Bola maintains its status as leader in sports media”.
Without confirming the terminations, the group says there is “a decision-making process going on and it is not right to talk about it until the process is properly completed.”
Ringier Sports Media Group (RSMG) announced on July 17 the completion of the purchase of Sociedade Vicra Desportiva, including A Bola, and AutoFoco magazine and appointed Felipe Montesinos Gomes general manager to implement the digital strategy.
In a statement, RSMG announced the “significant milestone” of completing the “acquisition of Sociedade Vicra Desportiva SA, including A Bola (newspaper, digital and television) and AutoFoco magazine, from Vicontrol SGPS SA”, highlighting that “this step an important step in Ringier’s growth”, “thereby strengthening its position for new opportunities in the sports media industry”.
The purchase of A Bola “is perfectly in line with our long-term vision and will contribute to RSMG’s growth plans,” Ringir Sports Media Group president Robin Lingg said in a statement.
“We are confident that this union will accelerate our progress and create a stronger and more competitive company” and “together with the local team, we will strive to reach even higher heights and continue to deliver exceptional value to our customers,” continued the official , referring to the fact that “this is a unique opportunity to bring together two great organizations with a common vision of the future” of the sports media.
“The acquisition of A Bola will ensure its long-term sustainability” and RSMG “will ensure the continuation of the quality journalism that A Bola represents, taking the necessary repositioning measures to lead A Bola to a successful future”rounded.
Source: DN
