Feb. 5, 2004

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Guild Reviewing Elimination of Cantonese Service

The Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild has taken the first steps to try to reverse RFA's decision to eliminate the Cantonese service.

RFA management informed employees and the Guild on Wednesday that the Cantonese service would be eliminated sometime this year. When is uncertain. RFA says the Broadcast Board of Governors ordered the elimination as part of the 2005 budget proposed by the Bush administration.

The Guild has begun researching how best to reverse the decision.

Our international, The Newspaper Guild-CWA, already is involved. TNG is looking into possible political and legal avenues.

At this time it's too early to say exactly how we will move to reverse the cuts, but we are moving as quickly as possible.

We will be asking RFA/BBG to provide any information it relied on in deciding to cut the Cantonese service.

The issue will be discussed when contract negotiations resume Tuesday, Feb. 10.

We will keep you informed as developments occur.

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