Fairfax Magazines Ltd general manager Lynley Belton yesterday emailed a letter to staff and freelance contributors, informing them of several cost-cutting measures.
The Otago Daily Times obtained a copy of the letter, which also announced Fairfax was assessing the options of the Government-proposed nine-day working fortnight for all full-time staff.
A drop in advertising revenue, a weakened New Zealand dollar and increasing paper stock prices were all contributing reasons for the cost-cutting measures in the current difficult economic climate, Ms Belton said.
Fairfax staff would not receive any salary increments this year.
The company was "generally" not replacing staff and, in some instances, staff were being redeployed.
A 15% reduction from the total invoiced fee would now be required for contributed stories, styling, images and all services from freelancers.
"In bald terms, this means you are doing the same amount of work for 15% less money. There is no way around this unpalatable fact."
Fairfax would "fully respect" the choice of contributors who did not want to work for the reduced amount.
Ms Belton did not respond to messages left on her answerphone yesterday.
