About six months after starting their organizing drive, production workers at Walt Disney Animation Studios have successfully voted to unionize. In a National Labor Relations Board ballot count, 63 production employees, including production coordinators, managers, and supervisors, voted to join The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839). Out of a total of 68 voters, five workers voted against unionization. The result will be certified and both labor and management can begin negotiating a first contract if neither party files an objection within five days.
Disney Animation and The Animation Guild have not yet provided comment on the development. This achievement follows a legal dispute over the eligibility of certain group members to join the union. Disney argued that production managers and supervisors were managers and did not share a “community of interest” with production coordinators, which would prevent them from joining the bargaining unit. However, an acting regional director from the NLRB ruled in September that the proposed bargaining unit was appropriate, allowing all roles to be included and paving the way for the vote.
Production coordinator Maggie Hughes stated that the victory exemplifies the core reason why they wanted to unionize. She expressed that they believed everyone in their unit deserved eligibility and criticized the company for attempting to divide them by pursuing a lengthy and arduous process.
The workers initially announced their intent to unionize in March after Disney denied their request for voluntary recognition. However, their organizing drive began a year earlier, in 2022, as the group sought improvements in pay and portable healthcare that they could carry with them to different jobs. Production coordinator Shannon Henley expressed the concern that despite loving her job, she often had to consider leaving for better pay, hours, benefits, and career opportunities. Henley expressed hope that joining The Animation Guild would provide her the assurance that she can continue pursuing her dream job without sacrifices.
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The Animation Guild’s success with unionizing production workers at Disney adds to its recent accomplishments with workers from various brands, including Nickelodeon, ShadowMachine, and Titmouse in New York and Los Angeles. These achievements demonstrate an increasing trend of animation industry workers seeking better representation and conditions through unionization.
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The successful unionization of production workers at Walt Disney Animation Studios marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of animation industry workers to improve their working conditions and gain better representation. After six months of organizing, 63 production employees have joined The Animation Guild, becoming part of IATSE Local 839.
The Animation Guild is no stranger to advocating for animation industry workers’ rights. In recent years, the union has made progress in representing workers at various well-known brands, including Nickelodeon, ShadowMachine, and Titmouse in both New York and Los Angeles. The addition of production workers at Disney Animation Studios further strengthens The Animation Guild’s position as a key representative for the interests of animation professionals.
The decision to unionize at Walt Disney Animation Studios did not come without its challenges. The eligibility of certain group members to join the union was subject to legal dispute. Disney argued that production managers and supervisors should be classified as managers and, therefore, not eligible to join the bargaining unit. However, the NLRB’s acting regional director ruled in favor of the proposed bargaining unit, asserting that the roles shared a “community of interest.” This decision allowed the production workers to proceed with the unionization process and ultimately cast their votes.
The fact that the majority of production workers voted in favor of unionizing demonstrates their collective desire for change and better working conditions. The organizing drive began one year prior to the announcement of their intent to unionize in 2022. During that time, the group identified several areas in which they sought improvements, such as pay and portable healthcare. The workers recognized that these changes would enable them to pursue their careers without compromising their financial stability or overall well-being.
The decision to unionize was met with opposition from Disney, as the company denied the workers’ request for voluntary recognition. Instead, they insisted on a formal process overseen by the National Labor Relations Board. This choice led to a protracted and often contentious negotiation period, but it ultimately culminated in the successful vote to unionize.
The importance of unionizing for the production workers cannot be overstated. With the formation of a union, they now have a platform to collectively bargain for fair wages, improved working conditions, and benefits that will enhance their overall job security and well-being. The Animation Guild will serve as a representative and advocate for their interests, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed.
Disney Animation Studios has historically been a renowned leader in the animation industry, known for producing beloved and critically acclaimed films. As such, the decision of its production workers to unionize carries significant weight within the larger context of the animation industry. It signals a growing trend among animation professionals, who recognize the power of collective action and the potential benefits that come with union representation.
The successful unionization vote at Walt Disney Animation Studios serves as an inspiration and encouragement to other animation industry workers who are considering similar steps towards improving their working conditions. It highlights the importance of solidarity and the potential for positive change when workers unite.
In conclusion, the unionization of production workers at Walt Disney Animation Studios is a significant achievement for The Animation Guild and its members. By uniting under the banner of the union, these workers have taken a significant step towards improving their working conditions, job security, and overall well-being. The success of this organizing effort is a testament to the power of collective action and the changing dynamics within the animation industry. As animation professionals across different brands and studios unite, the future promises to be one of increased fairness and representation for all workers.
