Walt Disney Studios VFX Workers Vote To Unionize
Visual effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures have unanimously voted to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in a 13-0 vote.
The decision to unionize comes just weeks after VFX workers at Marvel Studios voted to unionize with IATSE and comes on the heels of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes that have ground movie and television production to a halt.
Photo: Also Robert Hanashiro/USA Today
Joining Thier Hollywood Brethern
After a summer of labor unrest throughout Hollywood VFX workers throughout the industry have increasingly moved towards unionization.
Mack Robinson, a VFX senior coordinator said, “For so long we’ve wanted the same protections as everyone else, but there was no hope in sight. Winning this election was a long fight, but I’m proud to say it’s been won by each and every VFX worker wanting a brighter, sustainable future.”
The 18 crew members who work in-house at Walt Disney Studios are seeking fair compensation for all hours worked adequate health care, and retirement benefits. The VFX workers who are unionizing are responsible for creating the special effects in films such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King.
What Happens Next
“Today’s unanimous victory shows that VFX workers everywhere have a clear path to winning a meaningful say about their working conditions and quality of life. We’ll be continuing our work to win a great contract, but we need to bring every studio and vendor in line to bring those union standards to all VFX workers,” said Mark Patch, IATSE VFX Organizer.
The union’s next step is to engage in collective bargaining negotiations with Disney execs to draft a contract. At this time, however, negotiation dates have been set.
