starcom, burnett look to cut costs

Publicis’ Starcom last week laid off 20 people, or about 3 percent of its 700-person staff, citing a need to reduce costs. The move comes as Starcom’s sister company, Leo Burnett, said it would delay awarding merit pay raises until at least November. The shop changed its compensation policy in late 2001, eliminating annual bonuses for all employees in favor of selective merit bonuses.