With a strike deadline looming for the end of day today (11:59 ET on November 21), more than 200 animation writers have signed the WGA pledge not to cross picket lines at PBS if the broadcaster’s live-action writers decide to strike.

The Writers Guild of America is fighting for PBS animation writers to get union coverage for the first time ever as part of the Public Television Freelance Agreement. This group of animation writers includes those who have penned more than 20 different kids shows including Molly of Denali and Alma’s Way.

The writers of live-action shows such as FRONTLINE and NOVA are currently negotiating with PBS member stations WGBH (Boston), Thirteen (New York) and PBS SoCal (Southern California). 

The WGA delivered the pledge to PBS management yesterday during negotiations. It reads: “As an animation writer, I stand with the WGA-covered PBS writers in fighting for a comprehensive PBS contract that includes full coverage for animation writing. 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, including GBH, Thirteen/NET, and PBS SoCal, for the duration of a strike, if and when a strike is called.” 

Tim Mckeon, co-creator of Odd Squad and creator of Helpsters, is one of the writers who has signed the pledge and explains why being covered under union contracts is important to him and his colleagues. 

“Having worked in kids’ TV as both producer and writer for 20 years, there is no reason that animation writers should continue to be treated as second class citizens compared to other writers at PBS,” he said. “Correcting this injustice is long, long overdue…which is why I signed and totally support the strike pledge.”

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (pictured) and Odd Squad writer Leah Gotcsik added: “We have over 300 live-action and animation writers ready to strike if PBS doesn’t agree to a fair contract. PBS Kids writers deserve to be paid the same, whether we write for animation or live-action. This is the fair and equitable thing to do—exactly what we’d expect from the characters we lovingly write for.”

Meanwhile, Molly of Denali writer June Thiele has had to work several jobs at a time in order to keep writing for Molly because of the disparity in compensation and benefits between PBS animation writers who aren’t included in WGA contracts, and live-action writers who are covered. “Right now, I’m in the unfortunate position where my wife and I are living without health insurance due to an inability to self-pay,” said Thiele. “Being able to join the WGA would be game-changing for us—not only to have benefits, but to have workplace protections and an ability to plan for our family’s future.” 

PBS has not responded to a request for comment as of press time.