In a significant development for the animation industry, DreamWorks Animation remote workers across the United States, alongside feature production workers at Netflix Animation Studios and production staff from the “Ted” show, have voted to unionize with the Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) and the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700). This effort aims to secure fair pay and equitable treatment for all involved. The move highlights a growing trend of unionization as workers seek greater rights and benefits in their professions.
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Significant Support for Unionization
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) conducted a ballot count for DreamWorks Animation (DWA) remote workers, resulting in a majority “yes” vote for union representation with the Animation Guild. With formal recognition in place, DreamWorks Animation will begin negotiating a contract with this newly formed remote bargaining unit.
The unit comprises remote employees across the U.S. who contribute to Los Angeles-based DWA animation projects. These roles, spanning story artists to technical directors and beyond, previously fell under TAG’s Master Agreement when performed onsite in LA County.
Addressing Longstanding Inequities
Remote workers have organized to tackle persistent inequalities between themselves and their on-campus colleagues. Union recognition offers a path to collective bargaining, ensuring equal treatment and sustainable conditions for remote staff.
Steve Kaplan, TAG’s business representative, emphasized the significance of the vote: “These units overwhelmingly voted in favor of TAG representation after facing the degrading process of being forced into an NLRB election and the unnecessary delay of the government shutdown.” Kaplan stressed the importance of expanding jurisdiction to protect animation workers’ rights, irrespective of location.
Voices for Change
Anthony Holden, a remote story artist from Washington State, expressed enthusiasm for the union drive: “I’ve valued the opportunity to help unite our voices in seeking equality with our on-campus counterparts in terms of workers’ rights, fair pay, access to healthcare and retirement benefits. We look forward to negotiating with the company to secure a fair agreement.”
In addition to DreamWorks, animation workers at Netflix and the “Ted” show are celebrating their NLRB election victories to join TAG and the Editors Guild. These votes took place on December 23rd and 30th, solidifying their stance on unionization.
Erin Sullivan, a production coordinator at Netflix Animation Studios, noted, “During my five years at NAS, my amazing production colleagues have shown up each day with diligence, passion, and a breadth of skills and experience, both creative and strategic.”
Sullivan added she’s encouraged by industry peers who have paved the way, emphasizing the newfound empowerment in representing themselves as a unit.