Walt Disney Animation Production Workers Ratify New Union Contract
Production management workers at Walt Disney Animation Studios have officially ratified their first collective bargaining agreement, concluding a unionization effort that began in February 2023.
“It’s been an uphill journey, but at long last, we’ve reached the mountaintop. We are standing in our breakthrough — stronger, bolder, and united,” said production coordinator Tamara Lee.
As Lee notes, unionizing was a long and winding journey for production management workers. The movement’s genesis began in the winter of 2022 when studio employees sought improved pay and a change to their healthcare policy.
Photo: Disney
“Even though I love my job, I regularly must consider if I should instead find a job with better pay, better hours, better benefits, and a more viable career path forward. Joining TAG gives me hope that I’ll no longer have to consider leaving my dream job in order to live comfortably,” production coordinator Shannon Henley said at the time that the unionization attempt was announced.
Last fall, the unit voted to organize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839.
What the New Contract Guarantees
Under the new contract, production workers will receive health benefits and pensions. Additionally, the deal calls for wage increases, including a 24% increase for production managers, a 29% increase for production supervisors, and a 35% increase for production coordinators.
Walt Disney Company
“During this downturn in entertainment production, production management workers at one of the most powerful corporations in the world stood up and demanded more. Their daily fight for fair treatment and pay is often outside the public eye,” union organizer Allison Smartt said.
(Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
“They’ve been signing petitions, marching to deliver signatures, staging courageous silent protests in front of executives, and regularly engaging in the fight for their fair share for years, setting an inspiring example. They’ve won a historic contract that will have positive impacts long into the future and throughout the animation industry and I know they aren’t done yet.”
The Agreement Was Overwhelmingly Ratified
The new union contract was ratified with 93% voting in favor. 96% of eligible members voted.
After 2023 saw labor unrest spread across Hollywood, the push to unionize throughout the movie industry has only grown stronger. Recently, Marvel and Lightstorm VFX employees have also joined unions.
Photo: Disney
Clearly, we are entering a new era in Hollywood labor relations.
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