The News Media Guild questioned The Associated Press on Wednesday about why the company laid off union-covered technicians while posting jobs for management-level jobs.

The company laid off 10 Guild-covered technicians more than two weeks ago. The company said that in addition, 18 technology unit managers have resigned since October and eight others were laid off.

AP, which posted six management jobs in the TU recently, said Thursday the company is “just trying to keep the lights on” by hiring for those positions.

Another reason for the layoffs was that the company learned outsourcing of TU jobs wasn’t an option, the AP said.

In addition, the Guild turned over to the AP a letter signed by almost 600 staffers stating their support for the photographers, video journalists and others who get the weekly mileage allowance. The AP has proposed significantly reducing that reimbursement.

The AP and the Guild meet again Thursday to bargain.