iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

SWU has been awarded the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights award for our union campaign! This award recognizes all the work, care, and love every single organizer put in to this campaign. ❤️ We want to thank Jobs with Justice for this honor 💛💚 #sesamestreet #union #sesameworkersunion #1u

An etch-a-sketch on a desk with crayons and an SWU pin that reads, “Sesame Workers Union wins Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights award”

An etch-a-sketch on a desk with crayons and an SWU pin that reads, “We, the workers of Sesame Workers Union, are overjoyed to receive this incredible award and want to thank Jobs with Justice for this honor.

Our Union and this award is a testament to the impact that can be made when we care for our community, address our needs, and uplift and support one another to become smarter, stronger, and kinder together.”

1295

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

Some very wise words from one of our amazing leaders, Melissa 💚 this speech is from our victory party! #sesameworkshop #sesameworkersunion #union #1u #sesamestreet #hope #hopecore

0153

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

SWU member Autumn Sancho spoke with @teenvogue.com about beginning a union on Sesame Street! It all began in the Cookie Monster Conference room 🍪 link to read more: www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to... #sesameworkersunion #sesamestreet #teenvogue #union #1u

A woman smiles with Abby Cadabby on the Teen Vogue website

Text that reads, “Autumn Sancho first learned her team was unionizing while on a break in the Cookie Monster conference room. A colleague asked Sancho if she supported unions. “And without even thinking, I was like, ‘Yeah of course’” she recalls. That’s how she ended up on the organizing committee - the core group of employees who coordinate actions, gather feedback from their peers, and educate coworkers about union matters. She calls unionizing “a crash course in professional development” that’s allowed her to hone leadership and interpersonal skills she never anticipated flexing.

Text that reads, “I’m so lucky to work with some of the nicest, most hardworking and compassionate individuals who tirelessly dedicate themselves to delivering on Sesame Workshop’s mission of helping children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder,” she says. “And throughout my campaign, I’ve discovered that every single person is irreplaceable. They’re indispensable to the work that we do, and their voices matter as much as mine. And when we all come together, we’re able to advocate for each other and ourselves so that we can continue doing the work that we love and helping families everywhere.”

0288

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

We have new merch! Link is in bio and below 💚 Proceeds go to a mutual aid fund for Sesame workers in need! Let us know if there are any other merch items you’d like to see 👀 shop.worxprinting.coop/collections/... #union #1u #sesameworkersunion #sesamestreet

A shirt, onesie, and hat with Sesame Workers Union emblems

22412

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

UPDATE: Anthony, one of the Sesame workers laid off in March, has received his kidney transplant and is recovering! ❤️‍🩹 He was also able to use our SWU hardship fund for some medical bills. THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING OUR WORKERS! 💛💚

2315

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

After an energizing Election Day, we look forward to the ballot count on May 15th and making it official 💚 Thank you all so much for your support and kindness throughout our campaign! We all deeply appreciate it! Solidarity forever 🌈 #sesamestreet #sesameworkshop #sesameworkersunion #union #1u

A group of Sesame workers at a park posing and raising their fist in solidarity

2341

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

Slimey is here to countdown just 1 day until we vote yes in our union election! Slimey reminds us that every voice, no matter how big or small, can make an impact 🧡 #sesamestreet #sesameworkshop #sesameworkersunion #1u #union

0302

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

H is for Hazel! Hazel is voting yes on Wednesday because “the union gives us a chance to look out for one another and make our commitment to the work even stronger!”💚 #sesamestreet #sesameworkshop #sesameworkersunion #union #1u

0180

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

“My mom is taking me to the train station to vote in our election tomorrow and she is repping SWU 💪” Huge kudos to Sarah for traveling up for the election and her amazing mom for the support 💚

A mother wearing a Sesame Workers Union shirt and pin, smiling

0300

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

We are very excited to announce we officially have MERCH! Proceeds go to a mutual aid fund for Sesame workers in need! 💚 A special thank you to our Swaggle Rock team for all their hard work in this endeavor 💚 shop.worxprinting.coop/collections/... #sesamestreet #sesameworkersunion #union

A t shirt, tote bag, and hat representing Sesame Workers Union

821686

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

“You want this for people because you know it’s the best way for you to get the things you deserve” Listen as Melissa Chacko reflects on her experience organizing Sesame Workshop and emphasizes the importance of a union contract 💚 #sesamestreet #sesameworkshop #1u #union

0255

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

@sesameworkshop.bsky.social hop may try countless tricks from the union busting playbook, but Sesame Workers will win our union contract. Sesame Workshop WORKERS believe in fairness, democracy, and respect--and that is a winning mission.

Colorful letters read: BUSTING. There is an image of Count von Count from Sesame Street wearing a Sesame Workers Union button saying "Let's count the ways Sesame Workshop management is union busting. ah ha ha!" He's pointing to a large number 1.
ONE! Refusing to agree to card check or voluntary recognition of our union.

TWO! Slashing eligible titles. Count von Count is holding up 2 fingers and there is a large number 2 in the background.
200+: How many eligible workers we organized.
42: How many workers Sesame Workshop wanted to be in our union.
107: How many workers will vote April 23! Sesame workers stood (and partied) together and Sesame management changed their tune.

THREE! Anti-union literature and meetings.
A managerial employee who won't be in the union printed anti-union flyers. An image of said flyer, which was posted at the office, is shown.
Management is holding meetings full of misinformation about our union.
Count von Count is holding a large number 3. He's saying "I vunder who asked workers to make these? ah ha ha!"

FOUR! Trying to stop the vote for our NLRB election.
Sesame tried legal tricks to stop us from voting in a democratic election TWO TIMES.
Workers beat both attempts! Despite this disgusting busting, we will win a union and a fair, powerful contract.
There is a large number 4, Count von Count is holding up 4 fingers, and saying "Ve're voting Union Yes on April 23! ah ha ha!"

0295

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

Anjuli starts with the letter A! Anjuli supports SWU because she wants the “competitive pay, autonomy, flexibility, and support” to be extended to ALL Sesame workers!! 💚💚 #sesamestreet #sesameworkshop #sesameworkersunion #union #1u

0160

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Sesame Workshop management has tried and failed to cancel our election, not once, but twice! This anti-democratic union busting is hurtful to our mission, the families we care for, and the values Sesame Street has instilled in generations of children everywhere. We look forward to voting YES!

A red poster that reads, “no voting allowed”

A meme of Elmo looking stressed with the caption “us when Sesame Workshop insists on an election but files to cancel it twice”

A poster that reads “we are voting yes!”

1206

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Union days, sweepin’ the clouds away! ☀️ Here are some highlights from a recent article from the Tempest, featuring our very own Phoebe Gilpin. “One thing we are trying to offer right now is hope” 💛 #sesamestreet #sesameworkshop #sesameworkersunion #union #1u

2151

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Melissa starts with the letter M! Melissa supports SWU because "it's an opportunity for the workers of Sesame to have a seat at the table" Favorite Muppet: Grover 💙 #sesamestreet #sesameworkshop #seasameworkshopunion #union #1u

0212

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

We have an election! After weeks of negotiations, we will vote on April 23rd 💚 It’s hard to believe that just a month ago we announced the formation of our union, lost 1/3 of our workforce, and began negotiations. We are so grateful for your support throughout this process 💚 #sesamestreet #1u

A poster that reads in big letters “We are voting yes!”

0445

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Today is brought to you by the letter E! Meet Ed 💚 Ed supports SWU because “it has brought me closer to many of the people in my neighborhood.” Favorite Muppet: Cookie Monster 💙 #sesameworkersunion #sesamestreet #sesameworkshop #union #1u

A statement that reads, “I’m so proud of my colleagues’ dedication to making the world a brighter place. SWU has brought me closer to many of the “people in my neighborhood” dedicated to helping children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”

0303

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Meet Ricky! Known to SWU as ‘Uncle Ricky’ 💚 Ricky supports SWU because it ‘ensures a legally sound agreement with no gray areas’ Favorite Muppet: Baby Bear 🤎 & Big Bird 💛 #sesamestreet #sesameworkshop #sesameworkersunion #1u #union #opeiu

A smiling man (Ricky) poses with Ernie, Elmo, Big Bird, and Abby Cadabby

A statement that reads “I am 40+ years of experience in the video industry, both Union and non-Union. Creating the SWU with my colleagues will ensure that both employees (including future employees) and the employer will have a legally sound agreement with no gray areas.”

0305

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Some tweets from the Street! 💚 A huge thank you to these politicians and to YOU for supporting our campaign! #sesamestreet #sesameworkersunion #sesameworkshop #1u #union

A tweet from Zohran Kwame Mandan that reads “A majority of workers at Sesame Workshop asked for voluntary recognition of their union — only to be met with widespread layoffs.

Unacceptable. @sesameworkshop should reinstate these workers immediately and open good faith negotiations with @opeiu153.”

A tweet from Brad Lander that reads “I am disappointed to see the layoffs of @SesameStreet employees following their announcement of unionization.

I call on @sesameworkshop to negotiate with @opeiu153 and @SesameWorkersU over the terms of these layoffs and recognize the union.”

A tweet from @NYCPA that reads “We all grew up on Sesame Street values of fairness and kindness, which makes these layoffs even more egregious.

@sesameworkshop, it’s time to negotiate with @opeiu’s @SesameWorkersU and work towards voluntary recognition together.

Put your employees first on @SesameStreet”

A tweet from Senator Kristen Gonzalez that reads “A day after 200+ Sesame Street workers went public w/ their union efforts, @Sesameworkshop began mass layoffs.

With a mission that uplifts communities, they should hold true to their values by immediately recognizing the Union & open bargaining w/ @opeiu153 & @sesameworkersu”

0449

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

The letter of the day is N! N is for Nancy! Nancy believes in SWU because it is “empowering and ensures a safe and inclusive work environment.” We agree! 💚 Favorite Muppet: Grundgetta 💚 #sesameworkersunion #sesameworkshop #sesamestreet #elmo #1u #union

A woman poses with Elmo with the name ‘Nancy’ above her in nostalgic magnet letters

A quote that reads “Unionizing is empowering! It is the ultimate act of radical care to ensure my colleagues and I have a safe and inclusive work environment to continue serving the needs of young children everywhere.”

0264

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

(2/2) Why does Big Bird look so sad? We can’t be sure but it could do with #sesameworkshop denying workers severance with $439,021,780 in assets (The financial data included is pulled from our most recent 990 tax form, published on sesameworkshop.org)

An article that reads “despite the troubles facing the organization, the timing of the job cuts was still notable to staff. Much of Sesame Workshop’s administrative work force — which includes education experts, fund-raisers and paralegals — had been preparing to declare a union for months.

On March 4, the employees announced that they were forming a union and kicked it off with a rally outside the nonprofit’s Midtown Manhattan offices. Immediately after the rally, workers assembled for a staff meeting where they learned about the cuts.”

An article that reads “”We really went from our highest highs to our lowest lows that day,” said Phoebe Gilpin, a senior director of formal learning at Sesame Workshop, who was laid off. “It was a moment of joyful celebration and elation, and then emotional whiplash.”

Six of the seven workers who spoke at that rally soon found out they were laid off, said David Homer-Hodges, a director of organizing at a local chapter at the Office and Professional Employees International Union, the union the workers are seeking to join.”

An article that reads “a spokeswoman for Sesame Workshop said the job cuts “were planned* and fully decided upon well before we were aware of employees’ intent to organize, and the union’s official demand for recognition coincided with the announcement of the layoffs”

The union efforts will continue despite the job cuts, Mr. Hamer-Hodges said, though Sesame Workshop leadership has indicated that it will not voluntarily recognize the union.

* If the job cuts were planned, then why did Sesame Workshop spend hundreds of thousands of dollars giving bonuses to the higher ups on October 31st?”

0218

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

(1/2) Why does Big Bird look so sad? We can’t be sure but it could have to do with #sesameworkshop management denying workers severance with $439,021,780 in assets (The financial data included is pulled from our most recent 990 tax form, published on sesameworkshop.org) #sesameworkersunion

A picture of Big Bird looking sad alongside an article title “Why Does Big Bird look so Sad?” With the subheading “Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind “Sesame Street” is confronting what executives have described as a “perfect storm” of problems.”

Text against an orange backdrop that reads: “Sesame Workshop cut about 20 percent of its staff, or nearly 100 people, a few weeks ago. Without the cost cuts, the organization would face a deficit of nearly $40 million next year, according to internal documents reviewed by The New York Times. Even with the cuts, it has had to draw $6 million from its investment fund for the first time in more than a decade to help cover some of the budget shortfalls.”

Article text with a financial document below it. The article text reads: “Sherrie Westin, a 27-year veteran of Sesame Workshop who became chief executive last year, acknowledged in an interview that the nonprofit faced a new economic reality but said she was “confident we will be able to sustain this work.”

“This is not a rejection of ‘Sesame Street’, and ‘Sesame Street’ is not going away,” she said. “But we absolutely have a responsibility to change as the world-“

The financial document below the text is from a 2023 990 form that states CEO Steve Youngwood’s compensation as $1,022,143 and then President Sherrie Westin’s as $864,748

An article text with a financial document below it. The article text reads:

“But it paid off financially. Even as recently as 2022, Sesame Workshop generated $271 million in revenue and more than $20 million in profit, according to financial forms”

The financial document (2023 990 Form) below the article text states reconciliation of net assets. The total net assets is “$439,021,078” and appears large and encircled

04916

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

In this episode of #storiesonthestreet, Julianna details her experience being one of the employees #sesameworkshop laid off. We are asking Sesame Workshop Management to recognize our union. Petition link in bio 💚 #sesameworkersunion #sesamestreet #sesameworkshop #union #1u #unionizing

0224

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

This is us reading your response, hope the cookie was delicious! 💚 THANK YOU! From all of us on Sesame Street :)

130

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

Who are the people in our neighborhood? Meet Alonzo! Alonzo believes in Sesame Workers Union because it IS #sesameworkshop Favorite Muppet: Cookie Monster 💙 #sesameworkersunion #sesamestreet #1u #union #unionizing

A man posing with Grover with the name “Alonzo” spelled in nostalgic magnet lettering

A statement alongside a cartoon letter U that reads: “The Sesame Workers Union is Sesame Workshop. We are the workers that help elevate our mission and this initiative will help create equitable outcomes for all members of our community.”

0337

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

Presenting the 1,2,3s of why we’re unionizing on Sesame Street 💚 Please help us by signing our public petition! Link in bio 🍪

116956

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Thinking about him 💚 Him being the Mudman! Member of Mudman’s Union Local 1 (his union logo is on his hat!) 😃 Unions have always belonged on @sesamestreet 💚

0296

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Autumn begins with the letter A! Autumn believes in SWU because it “protects our benefits, ensures equitable treatment, and gives us a voice as workers.” Favorite Muppet: Slimey 🧡

A quote that says “SWU is important to me because it protects not only myself but also my amazing colleagues. SWU protects our benefits, ensures equitable treatment and opportunity for all employees, and gives us a voice as workers.”

04511

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Anthony is a Sesame employee who was just laid off while he awaits an anticipated kidney transplant. As a full time contract worker, he was denied severance-- unlike his colleagues considered "staff." We believe ALL workers contribute to our mission and so ALL workers deserve severance.

17722

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

Those working at Sesame Workshop are dedicated to our work and mission. Despite this, some employees with over 10 years at the org were laid off and denied severance. Luckily, we are also dedicated to each other. Help us stand for what's right by signing here: actionnetwork.org/letters/soli...

424991

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

@sesameworkshop.bsky.social has not responded to our request for voluntary recognition by our proposed deadline. There is still time for leadership to do the right thing! Sign the petition here to urge them to listen to their workers: actionnetwork.org/letters/soli...

35017

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Very disappointed in @npr.org's take on our union on Morning Edition (now attached to the article previously shared) wherein they suggest we made an "attempt" to unionize and that we "wanted" (past tense) a union. We ARE a union and we WANT a union and we are ACTING like a union -- proudly!

19528

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

We expect @sesameworkshop.bsky.social to uphold our shared values of fairness, transparency, and respect by recognizing our union and collectively bargaining over our working conditions and the terms of yesterday's layoffs.

428983

Sesame Workers Union @sesameworkersunion.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

We are so excited and so grateful to announce our union of workers from a broad cross section of Sesame Workshop employees. We are smarter, stronger, kinder, TOGETHER! #sesameworkersunion #swu #opeiu #opeiulocal153

519536