Lee Enterprises

December 17, 2009 by editor

While touting a slowing in the decline of its operating revenue, Lee Enterprises (owner of the Quad City Times) announced this week it was cutting health care benefits for many of its retirees.

The changes to its health coverage/benefits is expected to reduce the corporation's liability by up to $30 million, according to the company's annual report filed with the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). The move triggered protests by union members outside the offices of Lee's St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

In its filing with the SEC, Lee said it was eliminating the medical coverage for some retirees and increasing the share other retired employees would be responsible for paying for health coverage.