The Pioneer Press' Newspaper Guild has accepted ownership's demand for an unpaid week off between Feb. 9 and April 30, according to a union release.

The concession affects 307 newsroom, advertising, circulation, business and maintenance workers; the savings roughly equal six full-time jobs. The PiPress' Denver-based owner, MediaNews Group, rejected a union proposal to freeze layoffs during the furloughs.

"Accepting this agreement was painful, but not surprising,” say Guild unit co-chair Gayle Grundtner in the release. "We read the papers and watch the news. We know this economy stinks and workers locally and across the country are losing jobs, money and benefits.

"Our members are dedicated to the future of the Pioneer Press, making sure it remains an essential part of the community."

MNG, like many newspaper companies, is having trouble servicing its debt amid the advertising crash. Management will also take a week unpaid.