The Buccaneers on Thursday joined the "growing list of teams that have cut or furloughed employees during the work stoppage," according to Stephen Holder of the ST. PETERSBURG TIMES. Some Buccaneers employees "will miss four days of work" next week. The team "did not specify how many employees will be furloughed; coaches and employees in football operations who work on contracts are not affected." The Buccaneers said that employees "were told in March about possible furloughs, before the lockout began." Holder notes if the season "starts as scheduled, the Bucs would reimburse employees for next week's salary" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 5/27). Buccaneers Dir of Communications Jonathan Grella: "This plan preserves jobs and does not ask employees to work for less or no pay" (USA TODAY, 5/27).
MINOR REDUCTIONS: In Atlanta, Jeff Schultz cited a source as saying that while Falcons Owner Arthur Blank "has not mandated furloughs or significant cuts, there have been minor payroll reductions to members of the office staff." The team "has not made any announcement regarding pay cuts, per the organization's policy of not discussing internal business." Schultz wrote pay cuts and furloughs for employees are "worth watching." Schultz: "The longer the lockout goes, the more antsy owners will get. The lack of television, ticket and advertising revenue, as well as other sources of income, at some point will lead to difficult decisions" (AJC.com, 5/26).
CALLING AN AUDIBLE: PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio reported the Ravens had "cut employee pay by 25 percent during the lockout," but a source said that the team has "reversed course, returning the employees to full pay and refunding all withheld compensation immediately." The pay cuts originally were made "with the understanding that the money would be refunded if no regular-season games are missed." Florio wrote the move to restore full pay is an "admiral move" by Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti. Florio: "We urge every other franchise to do the same thing" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 5/26).
