DreamWorks Animation (DWA) remote workers based in the United States have recently made a significant decision to unionize with the Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) and the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700). This move comes as a way to advocate for fair pay and treatment for all animation workers, including those working on popular shows like “Ted” and at Netflix Animation Studios.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) conducted a ballot count for DWA remote workers, resulting in a majority “yes” vote in favor of union representation with the Animation Guild. This means that DreamWorks Animation studio will now recognize the remote bargaining unit under TAG and begin the process of negotiating a contract.
The newly-formed unit will represent remote workers residing across the U.S. who contribute to DWA animation projects, both in feature films and television series. These workers perform roles such as story artists, animators, character effects artists, technical directors, and production coordinators, among others. The union recognition aims to address long-standing disparities between remote and on-campus employees, ensuring equal treatment and working conditions for all.
Steve Kaplan, TAG’s business representative, emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of animation workers, regardless of their location. He highlighted the challenges faced by remote workers during the NLRB election process and the government shutdown, underscoring the need for collective bargaining to secure fair agreements.
One of the organizing committee members, remote story artist Anthony Holden, expressed his excitement about uniting voices to achieve equality in workers’ rights, fair pay, and access to benefits. He emphasized the importance of negotiating with the company to create a workplace environment that is equitable for remote employees and contributes to DreamWorks’ success.
In addition to DWA remote workers, production workers at Netflix Animation Studios and the team behind the show “Ted” have also successfully unionized with TAG and the Editors Guild. This marks a significant milestone for these workers, who are now looking forward to representing themselves as a united front and advocating for better working conditions.
Erin Sullivan, a production coordinator at Netflix Animation Studios, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to stand together with her colleagues and set a precedent in the industry for fair treatment and representation. The unionization of these production teams signifies a step towards ensuring a more equitable and supportive work environment for all animation workers.
