Writers and photographers at the St. Paul Pioneer Press withheld their bylines from Friday's paper, a sign of protest against how the layoff of nine staff members was conducted on June 30, MPR news reported Friday.

The single day "byline strike" is a historically symbolic action by the members of the Minnesota Newspaper Guild against the recent staff cuts. The union's contract allows journalistic discretion over the use of his or her name.

The union staff will also dress in black as a further illustration of their displeasure in the company's decision.

The union had wanted to pursue negotiation with the company in hopes of avoiding layoffs; however, the newspapers' owner, Denver-based MediaNews Group, withdrew the offer and instead cut the nine employees.

"We're not protesting against the layoffs; we're protesting how they were done," said St. Paul crime reporter Mara Gottfried. "We know the company, like the entire newspaper industry, is under tremendous financial pressure and sees the need to cut its costs. But they chose a course that was disrespectful not only to workers, but also to readers and the entire metro. The larger community suffers when fewer journalists are gathering news and checking facts."