The Sun Times Media Group will close 12 of its Pioneer Press suburban weeklies in the week beginning Jan. 12 as part of its plan to cut US$55 million in yearly operating costs, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

The Sun-Times parent company is asking union employees to take a 7 percent pay cut, Crain's Chicago Business reported.

Of the STMG's 2,300 employees, about 41 percent are covered by unions, according to Crain's.

Pioneer Press is expected to cut up to 15 newsroom positions, the Chicago Tribune reported.

In 2008, the STMG cut expenses by about $50 million, mostly through cutting jobs and outsourcing, Crain's reported.