Bean counting in Woodland Hills

Human resources honchos at the Daily News don't have a grasp on how newsrooms work. They memoed the staff that a new time card would keep track of exactly when reporters, editors and others got to work, took breaks, ate lunch and left for the day. Besides being more information than any company would know what to do with, it shows a lack of understanding for the unpredictable work day of many journalists. Union rep Brent Hopkins and Editor Ron Kaye met with HR to explain and won at least a stay while the issue is pondered further.

Hopkins blogs:

If you take a long lunch to look for new stories or wrap up early to go meet with a source, we don't want some bean counter to look at your time card and decide that you shouldn't be paid for off-the-clock time. If you've got a heavy load one night and your editor tells you to take it easy the next day, we want to preserve that flexibility. We believe the current system allows people to work hard, get paid what they deserve and still have the ability to work within the confines of the job.

Luckily, discussions have been cordial so far and management within editorial seems to be open and supportive of ways to ensure people get treated fairly. We expect a swift resolution with no negative effects on the newsroom...

Also: The Daily News has posted openings for reporters in Metro, Business and Sports, a Sports copy editor, plus a reporter to replace Dan Laidman in City Hall: "Bachelor's degree required. At least three years fulltime reporting experience on a metro daily required. Hours: As needed (including nights and weekends) and subject to change."