NJ Newspaper Threatens to Close Sans Union Deal

NEWARK, NJ—The ownership of The Star-Ledger is threatening to close New Jersey’s largest circulation newspaper by the end of the year if its production unions fail to make concessions in its contract negotiations.

Publisher Richard Vezza, in a letter to the paper’s staff, said the company felt it was “pushed into a corner” in its dealings with the unions, whose contracts expire in July. Absent any compromises by Sept. 27, Vezza said the paper will shut down. The move would not impact the newspaper’s Website, NJ.com, which is owned by a separate company.