Latest news with #VSP
New York Post
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Washington Post fact checker Glenn Kessler takes buyout after nearly 3 decades – and paper has no replacement
The man behind The Washington Post's 'Pinocchios' is leaving the paper without anyone to fill his shoes. Glenn Kessler, the editor of The Fact Checker, announced Monday he has taken a buyout, ending his lengthy career at the Post. Advertisement 'After more than 27 years at The Washington Post, including almost 15 as The Fact Checker, I will be leaving on July 31, having taken a buyout,' Kessler wrote on his Facebook page. 'Much as I would have liked to keep scrutinizing politicians in Washington, especially in this era, the financial considerations were impossible to dismiss.' Kessler said he wrote or edited more than 3,000 fact checks as editor and chief writer of The Fact Checker. 'When I started in 2011, there were only a handful of fact-checking organizations around the world, and I have been thrilled to watch the movement expand across the globe. So many of these brave and diligent fact checkers have become good friends,' Kessler wrote. 4 Portrait of Glenn Kessler. Washington Post Advertisement 'My fact checks were routinely the most-read articles on The Post's website. I had my detractors, from both the left and right, but many readers appreciated my efforts to sort out the truth in political rhetoric,' he added. Kessler revealed he attempted to stay on a contract basis long enough for his bosses to find a successor for a smooth transition, to no avail. 'I didn't want The Post to have a gap in fact-checking coverage during this fraught period in U.S. history. But we couldn't work out an agreement,' he wrote. 4 Glenn Kessler, the editor of The Fact Checker, announced Monday he has taken a buyout, ending his lengthy career at the Post. Christopher Sadowski Advertisement Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray appeared onboard with hiring a new fact checker in an exchange with Kessler, according to a source familiar with the matter. Kessler's next chapter will involve him writing books, and he's open to freelance and consulting work. 'In 2018, when the Fact Checker team was compiling a database of more than 30,000 Trump claims, I told the New York Times that 'I have the best job in journalism,'' Kessler wrote. 'I still believe that, and I'm sorry to leave without a replacement lined up. But it's the right time for me. I hope The Post finds someone to carry on this important project.' The Washington Post did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Advertisement 4 Kessler's next chapter will involve him writing books, and he's open to freelance and consulting work. The Washington Post via Getty Images Murray implemented a new round of the paper's Voluntary Separation Program (VSP) in May, hoping that most veteran staffers would be enticed by the exit offer. The program is set to end this week. According to a VSP document previously viewed by Fox News Digital, nine months of base pay would be given to staffers employed for 10-15 years, 12 months of base pay for 15-20-year veterans, 15 months of base pay for 20-25-year veterans and 18 months for anyone who has worked at the Post for more than 25 years. All of them would also receive 12 months of pay credit in their Separate Retirement Account (SRA). Other high-profile writers who've taken the buyouts include columnists Jonathan Capehart, Catherine Rampell, Philip Bump and Joe Davidson. Also fueling the exodus from the editorial pages was the initiative by the Post's billionaire owner Jeff Bezos to promote 'personal liberties and free markets' and vowing not to publish pieces opposing those principles. 4 Other high-profile writers who've taken the buyouts include columnists Jonathan Capehart, Catherine Rampell, Philip Bump and Joe Davidson. Christopher Sadowski Bezos' directive, which was announced in February, led to the immediate resignation of Post opinion editor David Shipley. Others resigned in protest and a mass cancellation of subscriptions by liberal leaders rocked the paper. The paper faced similar backlash last fall when Bezos blocked the paper's endorsement of then-Vice President Kamala Harris shortly before the election. Earlier this month, Washington Post CEO Will Lewis sent a memo to staff issuing an ultimatum for those contemplating adapting to the paper's new direction. Advertisement Also fueling the exodus from the editorial pages was the initiative by the Post's billionaire owner Jeff Bezos to promote 'personal liberties and free markets' and vowing not to publish pieces opposing those principles. Bezos' directive, which was announced in February, led to the immediate resignation of Post opinion editor David Shipley. Others resigned in protest and a mass cancellation of subscriptions by liberal leaders rocked the paper. The paper faced similar backlash last fall when Bezos blocked the paper's endorsement of then-Vice President Kamala Harris shortly before the election. Earlier this month, Washington Post CEO Will Lewis sent a memo to staff issuing an ultimatum for those contemplating adapting to the paper's new direction.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
CITU plans to intensify agitations for achieving demands of workers
The CITU district committee has resolved to intensify the agitation for achieving the demands of workers of various sectors, particularly those from Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), scheme workers, implementation of minimum wages and revival of the old pension scheme. The two-day district conference of CITU concluded, here, on Sunday (July 27), where delegates reviewed the activities undertaken by the union in the last three years. Briefing media persons on the deliberations of the district meet, here on Monday (July 28), CITU district general secretary R. K. S.V. Kumar explained that the participants at the conference discussed the agitations undertaken during the period, including the ones taken up for protection of VSP and for reinstatement of contract workers, whose services were terminated, the Anganwadi workers strikes, which went on for 24 days, ASHA workers, Midday Meal workers, against privatisation of Golden Jubilee Hospital (GJH) of Visakhapatnam Port, for revival of the Building Construction Workers Welfare Board. The union had also fought for payment of ₹26,000 as minimum wage, provision of job security, regularisation of contract and outsourcing workers, and a general strike was observed on July 9 demanding withdrawal of the four Labour Codes, which were detrimental to the interests of workers. The conference has resolved to intensify these agitations further for the achievement of the demands of the workers. The conference unanimously elected a new body with 26 executive members and another 106 council members. K.M. Srinivasa Rao and R. K. S. V. Kumar were elected as president and general secretary respectively, and Jyothi was elected treasurer. A district-level seminar on the demand for withdrawal of the proposal to install smart meters would be held at Alluri Vignana Kendram on July 29. A dharna would also be held at the AP EPDCL Office on the same day. The 18th national conference of CITU is scheduled to be organised for the first time in the city, on December 4. CITU secretaries P. Mani and K. Chandrasekhar were present at the press conference.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Numsa to present alternatives to Macsteel's retrenchment plan amid ongoing negotiations
This plea follows Macsteel's announcement last month that it has taken the difficult decision to enter into a process of restructuring, which may affect a number of its operations and employees. Image: Supplied The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) is set to deliver a formal proposal on Monday that includes a series of alternatives to retrenchments at Macsteel Service Centres South Africa. This initiative aims to establish a voluntary severance framework that respects the dignity of workers while considering the current socio-economic challenges they face. On Saturday, Numsa called on management at Macsteel to abandon its unilateral measures and return to the negotiation table in good faith. This plea follows Macsteel's announcement last month that it has taken the difficult decision to enter into a process of restructuring, which may affect a number of its operations and employees. The company said the global steel and manufacturing sectors have undergone significant changes over the past few years, and neither South Africa nor it have been immune to these challenges. 'Over the past years, the company has implemented a number of measures to address the concerns arising from this global context. However, it is now felt that further action is unavoidable,' Mcsteel said then. 'To this end, we have entered into a process of facilitation, working in collaboration with all concerned parties, including our workforce, union representatives and external stakeholders. Our objective is to be realistic—seeking a way forward that protects both our employees and the future of the company, within the constraints of the current economic climate.' Mcsteel said this process would be conducted as transparently as possible, in full compliance with both the letter and the spirit of the applicable legislation. However, Numsa on Saturday strongly condemned Macsteel for allegedly taking a unilateral decision to offer Voluntary Severance Packages (VSP) to employees outside of the formal consultation process, as prescribed in section 189A of the Labour Relations Act (LRA). Numsa general secretary, Irvin Jim, said this action constituted a direct affront to the consultative principles enshrined in the LRA and undermined the integrity of the facilitated retrenchment process currently underway. 'It is unacceptable that Macsteel has elected to bypass meaningful engagement with Numsa by offering these so-called "packages" without responding to critical questions posed by the union, as these questions are essential to the union's ability to propose viable alternatives to retrenchment,' Jim said. 'Numsa regards this approach as a deliberate attempt to exploit the financial vulnerability and uncertainty of workers facing possible retrenchment. The employer's conduct displays a disregard for the dignity and contributions of its workforce, many of whom have served the company loyally for years. The packages offered are woefully inadequate and do not reflect the socio-economic realities faced by workers or the principles of fairness and equity that should guide any severance process.' Numsa urged all its members employed at Macsteel not to accept these premature and unnegotiated offers, adding that it was actively engaging in the consultation process and is committed to tabling credible alternatives, including a fair and decent VSP framework. The union encouraged workers to await the outcome of these engagements, which are being undertaken in their collective interest. It said the package, which was being offered, was neither the product of collective consultation nor reflective of a genuine effort to cushion workers against the devastating consequences of retrenchment. 'To present such an offer, outside the consultative framework, constitutes bad faith bargaining and renders the process procedurally and substantively flawed,' said the union. Numsa further cautioned all workers to rely solely on communication from their elected union representatives and shop stewards who are actively engaged in the Section 189A consultation process. It said Macsteel's actions reflect a broader pattern of worker exploitation and corporate disregard for labour rights. 'At a time when meaningful consultation is required, the company has instead chosen to act unilaterally and with contempt for its employees' legal rights and livelihoods,' it said. 'Numsa remains resolute in its defence of workers' rights and will not relent in the face of such regressive and exploitative conduct.' BUSINESS REPORT
CNN
18-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
More than 130 passengers fall ill on Royal Caribbean cruise
(CNN) – More than 130 cruise ship passengers reported suffering from a gastrointestinal disease after setting sail from Los Angeles on July 4. The cause of the outbreak has not been determined. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 134 passengers on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas — or 3.4 percent of the cruise's total passenger list of 3,900 people — reported feeling ill. Seven members of the crew were also affected, out of a total of 1,266 staff members. The outbreak was reported to the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) on July 11 when the weeklong Royal Caribbean cruise returned to Los Angeles to dock after the trip was over. According to records compiled by the VSP, there have been 18 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships under the program's jurisdiction so far this year, mainly related to Norovirus. That's the same number of outbreaks reported all of last year, according to incidents logged by the CDC. While it's unclear what caused the outbreak on the Royal Caribbean ship, passengers experienced diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, the CDC said in a post this week about the Navigator of the Seas outbreak. In April, about 250 passengers on the Queen Mary 2 reported coming down with the highly contagious norovirus. That disease has a reputation as 'the cruise ship virus,' infectious disease expert Dr. William Schaffner, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told CNN Travel earlier this year. That's because it spreads easily, and anyone in close quarters — like cruise ships — is extra susceptible. Such outbreaks also frequently occur in schools and jails — wherever large groups of people gather in tight spaces. But the CDC hasn't determined yet if the culprit on the Navigator of the Seas was norovirus. 'The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority,' a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told CNN Travel. 'To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines.' The CDC says Royal Caribbean reported boosting its cleaning and disinfection procedures and also collected specimens from infected passengers, after isolating anyone who was ill. CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen said that while infectious diseases can be 'very unpleasant,' they typically 'pass within 1 to 2 days.' While the cause remains unknown in this case, Dr. Wen reiterated that precautions such as thorough hand washing are critical. She also noted that norovirus is not killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are commonly used.
Toronto Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Over 140 people aboard Royal Carribean cruise sickened by gastrointestinal illness
Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas is pictured in San Juan, Puerto Rico in this file photo. Photo by PAT MCGRATH / THE OTTAWA CITIZEN A gastrointestinal illness has sickened over 140 people aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account In a press release issued by the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) on Wednesday, 134 passengers and seven crew members fell ill after an outbreak was reported on July 11 on the Navigator of the Seas. The CDC said t he cruise had 3,914 passengers and 1,266 crew aboard. The ship was on a seven-day trip, departing from Los Angeles on July 4 with three stops in Mexico, according to cruise tracking site CruiseMapper. The ship returned to L.A. on the day when the outbreak was reported. Symptoms of the illness include diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps, said the CDC. In response to the outbreak, the health agency said Royal Caribbean reported increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, collected stool specimens from gastrointestinal illness cases for testing, and isolated sick guests and crew among other measures. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority,' a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group said in a statement to USA Today . 'To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines,' the statement said. The CDC said testing of the samples taken aboard the cruise is being done to determine the cause of the outbreak. 'Norovirus is often a cause of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks on cruise ships, but we don't always know the cause of the outbreak when we begin an investigation,' the agency said. 'Finding the agent that caused an outbreak (causative agent) can take time.' As of Wednesday, 18 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships have been reported this year, according to the CDC's website. MMA Celebrity Tennis Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA
