Earlier today, on Nov. 18th, the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) informed the press that PBS may join the union strikes. Then later at 3 PM ET, PBS informed its audience that it gained 100% authorization support for its writers. There are 94 members who will be joining them in their efforts.
What is The Authorization For?
Since 2023, IATSE has led numerous work strikes surrounding the creative arts industry within California and New York. One of these unions is the WGA, who are fighting for a fair writer’s contract and wants protection from generative AI. PBS became one of the few networks who are late to join the strike.
This morning, 94 staff members came together from PBS’ network partners: WGBH, THIRTEEN, and PBS SoCal. These staff members are part of the WGA’s East Division. They negotiated for a vote to be a part of the ongoing strikes. They had until Nov. 21st, 11:59 PM ET. According to Animation News Magazine, at least 83% voted to participate. Then the WGAW Board Directors and WGAE Council boosted the vote to 100%.
Unfortunate Strike Decline
While the WGA has won the strike authorization, PBS’s most loyal writers do not wish to enter the conflict. 20 of the network’s shows have signed a pledge protecting them from unions. These shows include Carl the Collector, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Alma’s Way, and Cyberchase. WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen gave the following statement on this matter:
“Writer Guild members at PBS rather end the week with a fair and equitable contract rather than enter a strike. But they are willing to do what is necessary to reach an agreement for their necessary work conditions and meeting reasonable demands.”
Thoughts on the PBS Strike
Despite the WGA’s effort, it was nice to see they tried to get the PBS network onboard. It does break my heart to see one of my childhood shows, Cyberchase not join the strike. The show taught kids discreet math and identifying problem-solving while traveling the PC world. The union managed to gather 94 writers who will be helping them on the cause. Especially alongside SAG-AFTRA and The Animation Guild on their “March on The Boss” initiative.
In such a short time, the WGA met their goal to gain strike authorization before Nov. 21st deadline. I give out my wishes to the brave workers who are fighting the creative arts industry. They deserve as much respect and better treatment for educating children and adults with their programming.
