(NEW YORK CITY) - Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures have recognized both the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) for the purpose of collective bargaining for Writers at their public television programs.

Writers on future seasons of Alma’s Way, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Carl the Collector will now have a Union.

Writers at both production companies will work under the terms reached between the WGAE and PBS in December 2024, the first WGA-PBS contract to include the writing done for PBS KIDS’ animated programs.

The agreement covers writing work for animated programs over five minutes in length made for TV and new media, with Writers receiving pension and health contributions on top of script fees and weekly salaries.

Animation Writers will also receive residuals for AVOD and SVOD reuse.

Adam Rudman, the Co-Founder/Executive Producer for Spiffy Pictures, said: “Every Writer on all of our series over the years has played an integral role in each show’s success, so this was a no-brainer for Spiffy. We hope it paves the way for more companies to follow.”

Jill Cozza-Turner, the Head Writer for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Jorge Aguirre - the Head Writer for Alma’s Way, said: “We are extremely proud to be working with Fred Rogers Productions. They carry on the legacy of Fred by being true allies in supporting working Writers. We’re grateful to partner with FRP and their mission to tell impactful stories that promote children’s curiosity and make it fun for them to learn and grow.”

WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen said: “PBS KIDS writers have been a bedrock in educating children around the world and we are glad they can work under a Writers Guild contract that provides them with fair pay, pension and health coverage and residuals. All Animation Writers deserve Union protections just like their Colleagues in live action television.”

WGAE represents more than 7,500 Members who work in film, television, news, podcasts and on-line media.

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