Sesame Workers Union Marks One Year with Block Party and Rally

Workers with the Sesame Workers Union marked the one-year anniversary of their union with a block party and rally this week, celebrating a year of organizing while calling attention to ongoing contract negotiations with management at Sesame Workshop and its counsel at Proskauer Rose. The event drew members, supporters, and Labor allies to mark the milestone and show support for the union’s contract campaign.

Workers are fighting for a fair contract that includes fair pay, job security, and family-friendly benefits. Currently the top 12 executives at Sesame earn as much as 79% of the bargaining unit combined, while some members make around $56K. Concerns about job security remain following layoffs of more than 100 colleagues shortly after the union went public, tied to cuts in funding from Sesame’s contract with HBO. Members are also fighting for the restoration and protection of benefits, including retirement contributions, and for workplace policies that support work-life balance rather than increased in-office mandates.

The program featured a brass band from the American Federation of Musicians Local 802 and remarks from union members alongside Labor and elected leaders, including NYC CLC Secretary-Treasurer Janella T. Hinds, NYC Councilmember Gale Brewer, and organizers from Kickstarter United. Check out more photos here, and click here to support the Sesame Workers by sending a letter to Sesame Workshop management!