'Sesame Street' writers vote for potential strike amid contract disputes
What's the story
The writers of the popular children's show Sesame Street have unanimously voted in favor of a potential strike.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced on Tuesday (local time) that all 35 members of the bargaining unit participated in the vote.
If no agreement is reached by Friday (April 19), when the current contract expires, the scribes are prepared to stop their work, affecting all Sesame Street productions.
Negotiations underway
Contract negotiations and potential picketing on the horizon
Contract negotiations began on February 13, with the WGA proposing yearly pay increases, improved residuals, and union coverage for those working on Sesame Workshop's animation and social media content.
In case of a strike, picketing is set to commence on April 24 at Sesame Workshop's New York City offices.
The current contract will end this Friday if no agreement is reached.
Responses
Union and Sesame Workshop responded to strike threat
WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen expressed her concerns about the potential strike, stating, "No one wants to see a picket line on Sesame Street."
She added that parents and families worldwide might question why Sesame Workshop isn't adhering to its own principles of kindness and fairness.
Meanwhile, Sesame Workshop has voiced their respect for their writers as crucial members of their creative team, assuring that they are actively negotiating with the WGA in good faith.
Contract terms
'Sesame Street' writers seek fair contract terms
The union's negotiating committee at Sesame Workshop is committed to securing a fair contract for the writers.
They emphasized that their demands are particularly important for animation writers who currently lack basic union benefits such as pensions and healthcare.
The future of Sesame Street, a cornerstone of children's television since 1969, remains uncertain beyond this year.