Island Records Fires at Least 12 Workers

In a move that could foreshadow an overhaul of New York-based PolyGram Music Group, Island Records dismissed more than a dozen employees this week. The label, which releases music by such acts as U2 and the Cranberries, is not the only PolyGram company suffering from a dry spell lately. Motown sales are flat, and sales are sluggish at Def Jam and A&M--although; its Mercury Records is on a roll. The Island firings follow a round of staff cuts at competitors Warner Bros., EMI, Geffen and MCA.