DreamWorks Animation (DWA) remote workers across the United States, feature production workers at Netflix Animation Studios and production workers on the show “Ted” have officially voted to unionise with the Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) and the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700), in an effort to ensure fair pay and treatment for all animation workers.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ballot count for DWA remote workers resulted in a majority “yes” vote in favor of union representation with the Animation Guild. DreamWorks Animation studio will formally recognise the remote bargaining unit under TAG and begin the process of negotiating a contract.
The newly-recognised unit represents remote workers living throughout the U.S. who contribute to LA–based DWA animation projects across both feature and television. These workers perform work already covered under TAG’s Master Agreement when done onsite on campus in LA County, and include roles such as story artists, animators, character effects artists, technical directors, lighters, visual development artists, modelers and production coordinators, among others.
Remote workers organised to address longstanding inequities between remote and on-campus employees. Union recognition establishes a path forward for collective bargaining aimed at securing equal treatment and sustainable working conditions for remote employees.
TAG’s business representative, Steve Kaplan, said, “These units overwhelmingly voted in favour of TAG representation after facing the degrading process of being forced into an NLRB election and the unnecessary delay of the government shutdown.” He added, “We are continuing to expand our jurisdiction both inside and outside the scope of our Master Agreement as we continue to look forward to protecting the rights of all animation workers regardless of zip code.”
Anthony Holden, a remote story artist and organising committee member based in Washington State, said: “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, among other issues. We look forward to negotiating with the company to secure a fair agreement that will foster a workplace environment which is equitable to remote employees and will contribute to DreamWorks’ commercial and artistic success.”
Feature production workers at Netflix Animation Studios and production workers on the “Ted” show are also celebrating their own NLRB victories to unionise with TAG and the Editors Guild. The elections took place on Dec. 23rd and Dec. 30th, respectively.
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“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,” said production coordinator Erin Sullivan. “As a part of TAG, I’m excited for the opportunity we now have to represent ourselves as a unit, and I’m encouraged by the other production management teams in our industry who have set the bar.”
From Variety US