What price "g"?

According to the Boston Globe, the paper's redesign in general--and the debut of "g" in particular--is all about serving readers better. For example, here's how the paper pitched "g" in today's explanation to readers:

Our new magazine-style section will be called “g” — for Globe — and it reflects what you, our readers, have been telling us about how you prefer to receive your reviews, previews, profiles and arts, culture and features coverage.

You want to find stories of interest quickly and easily. You want it in a format that can be carried easily as you move about town — while on the train or on a lunch break. 

But what if "g" and the rest of the redesign are as much about cutting costs as making things more reader-friendly?

Consider: earlier today, Boston Newspaper Guild president Dan Totten railed against what he says are six "g"-related layoffs in an email sent to his membership. The email follows; note that the "celebration" Totten is referring to is a redesign party that took place in the Globe's Atrium at 1:30 this afternoon:

Celebrations and messages like the below from The Globe to employees are extremly inappropriate in light of the fact that The Boston Globe has given otice of layoff to 6 Living Pages/Calendar section members of the Boston ewspaper Guild.
 
These 6 Living page assistants have many years of service amongst them to The Boston Globe and are being treated unfairly and improperly. The Boston Globe informed these guild members they would remain at The Boston Globe as editors after the changes to the section, and the Globe is now reneging on those statements.
 
The Boston Newspaper Guild has filed a grievance against The Boston Globe in this layoff matter and remains staunchly in support of our members in this and all matters.
 
Sincerely,
Daniel B. Totten
President
Boston Newspaper Guild
TNG - CWA Local 31245

Sounds like my former Phoenix colleague Dan Kennedy had the right idea.