Stars President Brad Alberts announced the team "will furlough" 20% of its "front office staff for two months beginning Sunday," according to Matthew DeFranks of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Team execs also "took a 20% salary reduction last month" in addition to CEO Jim Lites and GM Jim Nill's voluntary 50% pay cuts. Alberts said that the furlough "does not affect hockey operations employees, who are contracted." Furloughed employees "will still receive healthcare benefits during the period and the Stars will make the necessary premium payments." The team also is "assisting furloughed employees to receive government unemployment benefits." Alberts said that nearly every department of the Stars front office was "impacted by the furloughs." Alberts added that the length of the furlough "could be shortened should the NHL return sooner than anticipated." Meanwhile, many NHL teams are "adjusting their workforce." The Blues "will furlough staff Monday, and reduce salaries by 20% for other staff members." The Coyotes, Hurricanes, Canadiens, Bruins, Oilers, Flames and Senators "have also taken similar measures" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 5/1).
