Hollywood’s summer of labor activism is taking a superheroic turn as the visual effects (VFX) crews at Marvel Studios have filed for a unionization election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) reported that over 50 workers at Marvel Studios have signed authorization cards indicating their desire to be represented by the union.
This move marks a significant shift in the labor landscape of the VFX industry, which has been mostly non-union since the rise of modern visual effects in the late 1970s with the release of “Star Wars.” The IATSE sees this as a historic first step for VFX workers in demanding the same protections and benefits that their counterparts in the film industry have enjoyed for decades.
Mark Patch, the VFX organizer for IATSE, emphasized the importance of this moment for VFX workers. He stated, “For almost half a century, workers in the visual effects industry have been denied the same protections and benefits their coworkers and crewmates have relied upon since the beginning of the Hollywood film industry. This is a historic first step for VFX workers coming together with a collective voice demanding respect for the work we do.”
While the labor movement in Hollywood has recently demonstrated its power in shutting down the entertainment industry, there are other factors contributing to this unionization effort. In March, Marvel parted ways with Victoria Alonso, the executive in charge of VFX at Marvel. Although the departure was unrelated to her duties, it added to the tumultuous atmosphere within the industry. The studio has also faced negative press, with anonymous VFX professionals complaining about unsustainable working conditions, including long hours and seven-day workweeks.
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Isabella Huffman, a VFX coordinator at Marvel, who worked on the series “Hawkeye,” shed light on the harsh working conditions. She highlighted the lack of protection and equity in terms of working hours and pay in the VFX department. Huffman stated, “Visual Effects must become a sustainable and safe department for everyone who’s suffered far too long and for all newcomers who need to know they won’t be exploited.”
This unionization effort is not only taking place in the context of the labor stoppage in Hollywood but also against the backdrop of increasing unionization attempts across the United States, particularly in companies like Amazon and Starbucks. Additionally, according to Gallup, unions currently enjoy their highest approval rating since the 1960s.
Matthew D. Loeb, the International President of IATSE, acknowledged the wave of solidarity and the breaking down of old barriers within the industry. He praised the workers for their collective voice and emphasized that entertainment workers are standing up for each other’s rights.
The decision of the VFX crews at Marvel Studios to unionize reflects a larger trend in the industry and in society at large. Workers are recognizing the importance of collective bargaining and advocating for better working conditions, fair pay, and job security. This unionization effort has the potential to bring significant changes to the VFX industry and establish a new norm where workers in this field are afforded the same protections and benefits as their colleagues in the broader film industry.
As the labor movement gains momentum and unions receive higher approval ratings, it is clear that workers across various sectors are prioritizing their rights and well-being. Through unionization efforts, workers are demonstrating their collective power and demanding a fair and equitable workplace.
