Disney, Marvel, and Lightstorm VFX Employees Ratify New Union Contract
In what has become an increasingly common occurrence, visual effects workers at Marvel and Disney have ratified their first labor contract. The move will not only mark a new era at Disney, but is also an important moment for the broader industry.
According to Variety, the new contract includes overtime pay and raises of 4% in the first year and 3.5% in the second. Additionally, the deal includes eligibility for the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan and other protections.
“I want to congratulate the members of these VFX bargaining units on negotiating fair contracts that earned such strong support,” said Matthew Loeb, international president of IATSE.
Photo: Disney
“From when they started this process until today, the leadership and determination shown by these members has been an inspiration.”
VFX Artists Have Previously Not Been Part of a Union
Over the last couple of years, unionization in the VFX industry has continued to gain momentum. Marvel and Disney employees separately voted to unionize. Last year, Avatar VFX workers under Lightstorm Entertainment likewise voted to unionize.
Source: 20th Century Studios
The new contract will cover all three entities.
“This is not just a victory for Marvel/Disney, but a much-needed win for the entire VFX industry,” said Cael Liakos-Gilbert, a VFX data wrangler at Marvel.
“We’ve proven what is possible through determination and willpower, and don’t have to speculate or be shrouded in cynicism and doubt any longer. We’ve put ink to paper and given our people the contract we deserve.”
Photo: Marvel
Now that Disney VFX employees have ratified a contract, it could send waves across the industry. At this time, third-party VFX employees who work on Disney projects are not covered by the new contract.
