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⚠️ Active Layoffs — Updated August 2026
Washington Post Layoffs 2026: Severance & What to Do Now
The Washington Post cut roughly one-third of its 800-person newsroom — more than 300 journalists — on February 4, 2026, eliminating entire desks including sports and books. Here's what to know about severance before you sign.
✓ Based on Washington Post Guild reporting, company memos, and 2026 employment guidance — Updated August 2026
Newsroom Cut
~300+
Of ~800-person newsroom
Min Severance
4 weeks
Base minimum
Additional per Year (3+ yrs)
2 weeks
Capped at 45 weeks total
Garden Leave Through
Apr 10, 2026
Paid through this date
Prior 3-Year Reduction
~400
Per Washington Post Guild
OWBPA Applies
If 40+
21–45 days to review
⚠️ Terms Were Still Being Negotiated With the Union at Announcement
The Washington Post Guild — the union representing newsroom employees — was still negotiating final separation terms with the company when layoffs were announced. If you're a Guild-covered employee, contact the union directly before signing anything; your actual terms may differ from initial company communications, and the Guild can advise on your specific rights under the collective bargaining agreement.
🛡️ If You Are 40 or Older — Federal Law Gives You Time
The Older Workers Benefit Protection Act gives workers 40 and older at least 21 days to review any severance agreement, and 45 days if this was a group layoff. You also have 7 days to revoke after signing. Your employer cannot legally require you to sign immediately.
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The Real Severance Terms
| Component | Terms |
|---|
| Garden leave | Paid through April 10, 2026 |
| Base severance (after garden leave) | Minimum 4 weeks pay |
| Tenure bonus | +2 weeks per year for employees with 3+ years |
| Cap | 45 weeks maximum |
| Union status | Terms subject to Guild negotiation |
Entire desks were eliminated, not just individual roles
This round closed the sports and books desks entirely, suspended the flagship “Post Reports” podcast, and cut most of the foreign bureau structure — including the Cairo bureau chief, the Asia editor role, and the New Delhi and Sydney bureau chiefs. If your beat was eliminated rather than just your specific role, that may be relevant to severance negotiations, since reorganizations that eliminate whole functions are handled differently than individual performance-based cuts.
Your Timeline After a Washington Post Layoff
1
Day 1: Contact the Washington Post GuildIf you're a union-covered employee, the Guild can advise on your specific rights before you sign anything.
2
Day 1: Do not sign anything yetReview your severance agreement carefully. If you are 40+, you have 21–45 days legally.
3
Day 1: File for unemploymentFile in your state immediately — delays cost you benefit weeks.
4
Before April 10, 2026: Understand your garden leave statusConfirm whether you're actively working or on paid leave through this date, and how it affects your severance start.
5
Within 60 days of severance start: Health insurance decisionCompare COBRA against ACA marketplace plans at healthcare.gov.
Other Company Layoff Guides
Figures based on Washington Post Guild statements, company memos, and public reporting as of August 2026. Individual terms were still subject to union negotiation and may vary. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice.