Since 2021, The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 (TAG) , has successfully organized nearly 1,200 production workers in its mission to champion the welfare of those often overlooked in the animation industry. Today, the Union announces two new organizing victories: Flying Bark Productions and DreamWorks Animation.
“The production DreamWorkers and Barkers are the latest courageous groups to demand a seat at the table where decisions are made that affect their lives,” says The Animation Guild Organizer Allison Smartt. “They join production workers at almost every major animation studio in Los Angeles in their effort to preserve what made them seek out their dream jobs in the first place and to ensure transparency and dignity for all production animation workers in the U.S.”
The production workers at Flying Bark Productions have successfully organized under TAG. The Union has sent a letter demanding voluntary recognition to the company, headquartered in Australia, seeking to represent a group of eight production workers currently working on the untitled Stranger Things animated project at its satellite office in Los Angeles. Artists currently working on the show are already covered by the Union.
“As production staff, we were motivated to form a union with The Animation Guild because we deserve the same protections and benefits as our artist kin. We love working in animation and want it to be a career with security and longevity for us all!” says script coordinator Elise Bradley.
In another significant move, The Animation Guild sent a letter to DreamWorks Animation on February 7 and concurrently filed for recognition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on February 9. This proactive step aims to ensure the rights and interests of 162 production workers at DreamWorks Animation are duly acknowledged and protected.
“It is an honor to work someplace with such a legacy, but legacy doesn’t pay the bills or protect us when the industry shifts,” says assistant to director/producer Rachel Carlson who works at DreamWorks Feature. “The people of the entertainment industry have relied on unions to fight for their best interests. Although we are not paid to be artists at DWA, we deserve the opportunity to be represented. Working under a corporation that has been valued at approximately $167 Billion means that the people are not always the priority. Under TAG, we will have a direct link to those who are otherwise out of our reach and have our voice be heard.”
Adds DreamWorks TV production coordinator Anjali Sojwal, “Forming a union has been an honor as it means greater protections for my colleagues and friends at DreamWorks. I want my coworkers to be heard and fought for as they struggle paying for their basic necessities in life. It is only though community action that we ensure those necessities are earned and protected.”
The Union is optimistic that both Flying Bark Productions and DreamWorks Animation will voluntarily recognize the Union, thereby paving a constructive and collaborative path forward for their workforce.
These latest victories mark a period of remarkable growth for The Animation Guild, further solidifying its position as a leading advocate for animation industry workers. The Union recognizes the importance of providing long-overdue protections for workers who have contributed significantly to the industry’s success.
The Animation Guild, also known as Local 839 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), was founded in 1952. The labor union represents more than 5,000 artists, technicians and writers in the animation industry, advocating for workers to improve wages and conditions.
