Artists at DreamWorks, Netflix and ‘Ted’ Show Vote to Unionize with The Animation Guild
DreamWorks Animation (DWA) remote workers located across the United States, along with feature production workers at Netflix Animation Studios and production workers on the show “Ted,” have recently made history by voting to unionize with the Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) and the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700). This decision comes as a crucial step towards securing fair pay and treatment for all animation workers within the industry.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ballot count for DWA remote workers concluded with a majority “yes” vote in favor of union representation with the Animation Guild. DreamWorks Animation studio has committed to recognizing the remote bargaining unit under TAG and initiating negotiations for a contract.
The newly-formed unit represents remote workers residing throughout the U.S. who play integral roles in DWA animation projects, both in feature films and television series. These workers perform tasks that are already covered under TAG’s Master Agreement when done onsite at the LA-based campus in LA County, encompassing positions such as story artists, animators, character effects artists, technical directors, lighters, visual development artists, modelers, and production coordinators.
The unionization of remote workers aims to address longstanding disparities between remote and on-campus employees, paving the way for collective bargaining efforts that seek to establish equal treatment and sustainable working conditions for remote workers.
Steve Kaplan, TAG’s business representative, expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming support for TAG representation among the newly-unionized units, despite challenges such as NLRB elections and government shutdown delays. Kaplan emphasized the union’s commitment to expanding its jurisdiction to protect the rights of all animation workers, regardless of their location.
One of the organizing committee members, Anthony Holden, a remote story artist based in Washington State, highlighted the importance of seeking equality with on-campus counterparts in terms of workers’ rights, fair pay, healthcare access, and retirement benefits. Holden emphasized the importance of negotiating a fair agreement that would create a workplace environment equitable to remote employees, ultimately contributing to both DreamWorks’ commercial success and artistic endeavors.
Apart from DWA remote workers, feature production workers at Netflix Animation Studios and production workers on the “Ted” show also secured their NLRB victories to unionize with TAG and the Editors Guild. These victories mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to ensure fair treatment and representation for animation workers within the industry.
Erin Sullivan, a production coordinator at Netflix Animation Studios, expressed excitement about the opportunity to represent themselves as a unit within TAG, highlighting the dedication and skills displayed by production colleagues. Sullivan emphasized the positive impact that unionization can have on production management teams, setting a standard for fair treatment and representation in the industry.
The unionization of animation workers at DreamWorks Animation, Netflix Animation Studios, and production workers on the “Ted” show signifies a pivotal moment in the industry’s ongoing efforts to secure fair pay, treatment, and representation for all workers involved in the creative process. This collective action highlights the importance of solidarity and unity in advocating for the rights and well-being of animation professionals.
