ABA to Reduce Staff, Institutes Salary Freeze
By Rachel Deahl -- Publishers Weekly, 2/13/2009 7:37:00 AM
In another sign of the economic times, the ABA announced that it is taking various steps, among them reducing its staff and instituting a hiring freeze, to scale back operating costs. The decisions, which came out of the ABA board meeting last week in Salt Lake City, will result in a 12% staff reduction (equivalent to at least five full-time positions) through attrition; suspending contributions to employees' 401(k) and SEP plans; and eliminating all discretionary travel and discretionary spending. The ABA also intends to deliver educational programs electronically, through webinars and other "web-based communication." The cutbacks have also led to the cancellation of the group's spring forum schedule and a revamping of employees' medical benefits.
On a positive note, the cutbacks will allow for a reduction in membership fees; the organization, effective immediately, is cutting membership fees by 50% for 2009. According to a statement from ABA president Gayle Shanks, the membership fee reduction "will commence with January 2009 renewals and continue through December 2009 renewals." Shanks said the goal is to offer "more services and lower costs." She closed by saying the ABA is "committed to do whatever we can to help ensure that as many bookstores as possible emerge from this crisis stronger than ever."
