DreamWorks Animation (DWA) remote workers, Netflix Animation Studios feature production workers, and Ted show production workers across the country have formally voted to form a union with the Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) and the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700) to ensure fair wages and treatment for all animation workers.
The National Labor Relations Board’s (NLRB) vote of DWA remote workers resulted in a majority of “yes” votes in favor of union representation in the Animation Guild. DreamWorks Animation Studio has officially recognized its remote negotiation division under TAG and plans to begin the process of contract negotiation.
The newly recognized unit represents remote workers located across the United States who contribute to DWA animation projects across both feature film and television, based in Los Angeles. These workers perform work already covered under TAG’s master contract when performed on Los Angeles County campuses and include roles such as story artists, animators, character effects artists, technical directors, writers, visual development artists, modelers, and production coordinators.
Remote workers organized to address long-standing inequalities between remote locations and campuses
employee. Union recognition establishes path to collective bargaining aimed at ensuring safety.
Equal treatment and sustainable working conditions for remote employees.
Steve Kaplan, TAG Business Representative, said:
TAG representatives after facing the humiliating process of being forced to participate in the NLRB elections;
Unnecessary delay in government shutdown. He added: “We look forward to continuing to expand our jurisdiction both within and beyond the scope of the Master Agreement.”
Protecting the rights of all animation workers, regardless of their zip code. ”
Anthony Holden, Washington State-based remote story artist and organizing committee member, said, “I have cherished the opportunity to unite our voices for equality with our on-campus colleagues, especially in terms of worker rights, fair wages, and access to health care and retirement benefits. I look forward to negotiating with the company to secure a fair agreement that promotes a fair work environment for remote employees and contributes to DreamWorks’ commercial and artistic success.”
Feature production workers at Netflix Animation Studios and production workers on the “Ted” show are also celebrating the NLRB’s victory and uniting with TAG and the editors union. Elections were held on December 23rd and December 30th, respectively.
“During my five years at NAS, my amazing production colleagues have come to me every day with their hard work and passion, creative and strategic, and a wide range of skills and experience,” said production coordinator Erin Sullivan. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent ourselves as a unit as part of TAG, and are encouraged by other production management teams in the industry who have set the standard.”
