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With not much else left to do but wait for news on the upshot of today's final bargaining session before the strike-enabling midnight expiration of the WGA's contract with the studios, at least one of the concerned Companies has decided that it's time to give its employees some easy-to-follow tips on what to do if they find themselves surrounded by a phalanx of red-shirted picketers when they arrive at work over the next few days. Thankfully, Warner Bros. heads Barry Meyer and Alan Horn urge—at least for now—a patient and nonconfrontational approach to dealing with potential strikers, realizing that the unwanted interference of their civilian workers could undermine their security personnel's attempts to disburse any traffic-impeding Guild protestors with the trusty combination of fire-hose-soakings, rubber bullet strafings, and tear gas clouds that effectively disburse even the most resolute of union members. A pair of WB memos detailing their strike instructions follow:

Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2007 Subject: A Message form Barry Meyer and Alan Horn

Dear Colleagues,

As you are most likely aware, the member studios of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, including Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Television, are facing the threat of a work stoppage by the members of Writers Guild of America.

Up to this point, we have negotiated in good faith and will continue to do so. Our industry is facing sweeping changes, and we must find a balance between fairly compensating employees and efficiently running our businesses. So far, the WGA and AMPTP have not been able to come to terms in reaching this balance, which has resulted in the Guild calling for a strike authorization.

It is our hope that any strike that may be called by the WGA will prove to be minimally disruptive to business. We also hope that the two sides reach an agreement quickly. In the event this does not happen, we will keep you updated as to what measures will be taken here at the Studio.

If pickets appear at any of the Studio's gates or filming locations, please be patient and courteous when driving through or walking across a picket line. We ask that you not engage the picketers, either through discussion or argument, and that you proceed safely and cautiously to prevent any injury or damage.

We value all of our employees and the contributions that they make to our company's success. We further thank you for your understanding, patience and cooperation at this time.

Sincerely,
Barry Meyer
Alan Horn

And here's a more detailed message from WB's EVP of Studio Operations. Further strike-related internal memo goodness awaits!

As you may be aware, some of our affiliated companies (Warner Bros. Pictures; Warner Bros. Television) are currently involved in industry-wide collective bargaining negotiations with the Writers Guild of America ("the WGA"). We have been informed that the WGA members have authorized a work stoppage / strike. While we remain hopeful for an amicable settlement, you should be aware that the WGA contract expires at the end of this month and a labor dispute could exist as early as November 1, 2007. It is our hope that a strike will be averted; however, if it does happen, the Warner Bros. Entertainment Group of Companies intends on remaining open for business. We have many productions underway, non-production clients to serve, and administrative offices to support around the world. This memo is intended to provide our employees, production staffs and crews with guidance during the course of the dispute. (Although it may have most relevance for those of you based at the Burbank Lot, we wanted to provide this information to all of you who work for a Warner company.)

During this time, the WGA may picket outside of the Warner Bros. Studio lot, the Warner Bros. Ranch premises, or other production facilities. The earliest that picketing could occur is November 1, 2007; and we may have little or no warning of a picket line at our studio or other production locations. In the likelihood that picketing occurs, we ask you to please be aware of the following:

* In the event of a strike or picket line, the Studio will remain open, and all employees are expected to report to work during the dispute, unless advised otherwise by their direct supervisors.

* You should know that you have the absolute right to cross any picket line that the WGA may establish. Your right to cross the picket line is protected by law, and we will make sure that there is no interference with this right.

* Union-represented employees who choose to observe the picket line may be replaced. Management employees are required to come to work. We regret that a WGA strike places our employees in a difficult situation, but we have an obligation to our shareholders, clients, and employees to continue operating to the extent possible.

* We expect any picketing to be orderly and comply with laws, including not blocking access to the Studio Lot or other production facilities. However, picketing activity may cause traffic difficulties around the facilities. The WBSF Security Department has made arrangements to handle any problems that may arise in order to maintain a peaceful picketing situation. Employees are advised to allow extra time for traveling to work. In the event that picketers momentarily block your vehicle from entering a facility, please wait until the area has been fully cleared before attempting to enter.

* It is best, whenever possible, to minimize the amount of trips on and off the lot to avoid unnecessary congestion and potential confrontations. It is recommended that all employees follow these suggestions while driving or walking into facilities where picket lines are present:

o Remain calm, proceed slowly so as not to endanger the picketers in the crosswalk or on the sidewalks.
o Leave your vehicle windows up.
o Do not talk to the picketers. They may try to argue with you and provoke a dispute.
o At all costs, avoid a confrontation and keep everyone's safety uppermost in your minds.

* There are video cameras at each Studio entry gate which are able to record the conduct of the picketers and our non-striking employees. Picket line misconduct may result in discipline. If a picketer threatens you with violence, or attempts to damage, or actually damages, your property, please report these actions immediately to the WBSF Security Department at (818) 954-xxxx.

* There may be media coverage during the dispute. Employees must refrain from making any comments to the media. All media inquiries should be referred to Corporate Communications at (818) 954-xxxx or (818) 954-xxx.

We very much regret any inconvenience that this may cause you. We sincerely appreciate your continued efforts and cooperation to ensure everyone's safety and to take care of our clients' business needs as you always do.