Writers Guild of America Reaches Tentative Deal with Sesame Workshop, Avoiding Strike

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has reached a tentative five-year collective bargaining agreement with Sesame Workshop, averting a potential strike by 35 Sesame Street writers. The new contract includes historic jurisdiction and minimum rates for animation and new media programs produced by Sesame, protections against artificial intelligence, paid parental leave benefits, and substantial improvements to new media residuals.

The 35-member Sesame Workshop bargaining unit, which includes writers from both the WGA East and WGA West, will vote to ratify the agreement in the coming days. The deal was reached on the day the previous contract was set to expire, following the writers' unanimous vote to authorize a strike earlier this week.

The WGA Sesame Workshop Negotiating Committee expressed pride in working for an organization that values its writers. "This contract recognizes the value of our work and was achieved through the solidarity and fortitude of our bargaining unit," the committee stated. WGAE president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen also praised the agreement, saying, "Workers win when they stand together. We're glad to have a contract in place that allows Sesame to continue its important work."

The new agreement covers various Sesame Workshop series, including 'Sesame Street,' 'Bea's Block,' 'Esme & Roy,' 'Ghostwriter,' 'Helpsters,' 'Mecha Builders,' and 'The Not-Too-Late Show With Elmo.' It ensures that writers will be protected under a fair deal as the show undergoes a major format change in its upcoming 56th season, despite the uncertainty surrounding Sesame Street's future distribution deal with Warner Brothers Discovery and Max.

Why this matters: The successful negotiation of this contract is viewed as a positive development for writers throughout the children's media landscape. It establishes a precedent for protecting writers' rights and ensuring fair compensation in an industry undergoing rapid changes due to the rise of streaming and new media platforms.

The tentative agreement between the WGA and Sesame Workshop was the result of cordial negotiations, with both sides acknowledging the importance of the writers to the show's mission and creative team. The deal is expected to have a positive impact on writers throughout the children's media landscape, serving as an industry benchmark that recognizes the value of writers' contributions to educational and entertaining content.

Key Takeaways

• WGA and Sesame Workshop reach 5-year bargaining agreement, averting writers' strike.
• New contract includes historic jurisdiction, AI protections, paid parental leave, and improved residuals.
• 35-member Sesame Workshop bargaining unit to vote on ratifying the agreement.
• Agreement covers various Sesame Workshop series, including Sesame Street, amid format changes.
• Successful negotiation sets a positive precedent for protecting writers' rights in children's media.