Writers at Sesame Workshop, the not-for-profit company behind the 50-plus-year perennial kids’ classic Sesame Street, have voted unanimously to authorize a strike through the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Negotiations for a new contract have been going on since February 13, and the writers intend to stop work and picket Friday if acceptable terms are not reached.
“The writers that Sesame Workshop hires are deeply committed to the work that we do,” the WGA Sesame Workshop Negotiating Committee said in a statement. “Like the Workshop itself, we are mission-driven and child-focused, and we work hard at telling stories that contribute to the Workshop’s curricula inspired by heart, curiosity, community, kindness, diversity, equity and inclusion.”
WGA shared that their new contract proposal includes annual raises, improved residuals and union coverage for the animation and social media divisions.
“Our writers are integral members of our creative team, and we are engaged in good faith negotiations with the WGA. We’re still hopeful that we’ll come to an agreement in advance of the expiration,” a Sesame Workshop spokesperson told Deadline.
[Source: Deadline]
