Company officials say the economic recession and a severe downturn in advertising are necessitating the unpaid leave.
Gannett's largest paper, USA Today, has also declared a one-year freeze on wages effective Feb. 1.
Gannett had several rounds of layoffs last year, including one in December slashing the work force at most of its U.S. newspapers by 10 percent.
Employees must take the furloughs during the first quarter. Union-covered employees will be asked to participate, and layoffs are possible if they refuse.
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