WGA Puts Pressure On PBS Management Ahead Of Potential Strike With Solidarity Pledge From 200+ Animation Writers

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: Writers at PBS member stations are still hoping to secure a new union contract before the clock strikes midnight on Friday, and the 94-member bargaining unit strengthened its plea ahead of a potential strike with a pledge from more than 200 PBS animation writers who have agreed not to cross their potential picket line.

The WGA East negotiating committee delivered the pledge to PBS management during Wednesday’s talks, just one day before a strike could be called, Deadline has learned.

It is signed by 222 writers across more than 20 animated series that are not currently covered by the Writers Guild of America Public Television Freelance Agreement as a show of solidarity. “By adding my name, I pledge to help the WGA win union protection for all PBS writers under the Public Television Freelance Agreement by withholding any and all writing services, including for animation, on any existing or new projects for all companies that are signatory to the Public Television Freelance Agreement…” the pledge reads.

Signatories of the pledge write for shows including Alma’s Way, Carl the Collector, Cyberchase, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Molly of Denali, Pinkalicious & Peterrific, and Work It Out Wombats!