March 8, 2002

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE:

STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT

             The Guild has received many inquiries regarding the Standards of Business Conduct that Time, Inc. unilaterally issued to employees.  The primary question being asked is, “Should I acknowledge the Standards of Business Conduct?”  The short answer is, “Yes, but under protest.”  How do you do that?  Simply click on the requested acknowledgement.  Since the electronic acknowledgement does not permit you to indicate that you are acknowledging under protest, the Guild notified Time, Inc. that any acknowledgements submitted by Guild-represented employees are made under protest and without prejudice to the Guild’s right to challenge the issuance of the Standards and/or any discipline that may result from the application of those Standards. 

The Guild notified Time, Inc. that it objects to the Standards.  It is the Guild’s position that the unilateral issuance of the Standards is in violation of Time’s obligations under federal law to recognize and bargain with the Guild, as well as a settlement agreement between the Guild and the Company which was reached last year relating to Time’s previous attempt to unilaterally issue standards of business conduct.  The Guild has demanded that the Standards be rescinded immediately and that all Guild-represented employees be notified of the rescission.  We are currently awaiting Time, Inc.’s response.  If Time, Inc. fails to take the actions demanded, then the Guild will take all steps necessary to protect its members.

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03/08/02