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Moments ago, Universal Studios circulated a memo to all of its local employees to prepare them for the possible appearance of picketers from the Casting Society of America. Batten down the hatches! Casting directors in angrily-worded sandwich boards are coming! Universal quite sensibly discourages any kind of vigilante justice from its employees (who are expected to work and to be on time during the possible crisis); rather than suggest that picketers momentarily blocking cars trying to enter the lot be sprayed with fire hoses or crushed under SUV wheels, impeded workers are urged to ignore the protestors and refrain from ramming their cars through any human speed-bumps. Of course, for every public show of restraint, there are probably matching secret internal directives from boss Stacey Snider urging that anyone carrying a picket sign be doused in napalm and instantly incinerated. The memo follows:

As you may be aware, several of our businesses (NBC Studios, Inc., Universal City Studios LLLP and Universal Network Television LLC) are currently involved in a dispute with the Casting Society of America ("CSA") and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 399 ("the Teamsters"). This memo is intended to provide you with guidance during the course of the dispute.

During this time, the CSA and the Teamsters might picket outside of the Universal Studios lot ("the Studio"). In the likelihood that picketing occurs, we ask you to please observe the following guidelines:

· Despite potential picketing activity near the Studio's entrances and exits, all employees are expected to report to work during the dispute, unless advised otherwise by their direct supervisors.

· Picketing activity may cause traffic difficulties around the Studio, and possible traffic delays within the vicinity. Employees
are advised to allow extra time for traveling to work. Security will be posted at each of the Studio's gates to ensure safe entry and exit. In the event that picketers momentarily block your vehicle from entering the Studio, please wait until the area has been fully cleared before attempting to enter.

· Please avoid engaging the picketers in any discussion while entering or exiting the Studio, and please ignore any attempt they may make to speak with you. If a picketer threatens you with violence, attempts to or actually damages your property, please report these actions immediately to Security at (818) 777-xxxx.

· There may be significant media coverage during the dispute. Employees should refrain from making any comments to the media. All media inquiries should be referred to Corporate Communications at (818) 777-xxxx.

· Finally, there are individuals working at the Studio who are employed by third parties not involved in the dispute. In order to
shield these "neutral employers" (i.e., commercial producers filming at the Studio) from the dispute, we have designated the "Child Care" gate as the "Reserved Gate" for their employees to enter and exit the Studio.

· The Child Care/Reserved Gate is located off of Barham Boulevard, approximately 75 yards south of the Lakeside Plaza entrance to the Studio.

· In order to maintain the integrity of the Reserved Gate status, it may only be used by the employees of "neutral employers."

· Studio employees may not use the Reserved Gate to enter or exit the Studio during the dispute; otherwise, picketing might occur at the Reserved Gate.

We are aware of the potential challenges that may arise during this difficult time, and sincerely appreciate your continued efforts and cooperation to ensure everyone's safety and security.

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