The Seattle Times is asking 500 staff, including managers and non-union workers, to take a week off without pay, the Sacramento Business Journal reported.

According to company spokeswoman Jill Mackie, workers can take the time off for a week long or one day at a time between now and February. She stated that she was not clear how much money the move would save.

The Times announced in November it will cut employee numbers by 130 to 150 due to financial struggles. U.S. newspaper publishing company McClatchy Co. has a 49.5 percent stake in the newspaper.

"As difficult as these operating decisions are, it is important to remember we have been here for 112 years, weathering many ups and downs, and these budget actions are necessary to respond to the current economic conditions and to position our newspaper and online operations for many more years of success and community service," wrote publisher Frank Blethen and president Carolyn Kelly in a note to employees in November, the Sacramento Business Journal reported.