Production workers from DreamWorks Animation (DWA) Television and Feature productions have officially voted to unionize under The Animation Guild (TAG), IATSE Local 839, and The Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700 in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election. This marks the largest unit to date with a seat on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to join the union.
The successful vote means that for the first time, a group encompassing both feature film and television animation production workers has simultaneously unionized, highlighting the unity and collective strength within the animation community. Since the studio’s creation almost 30 years ago, artists and technicians at DWA have been covered under TAG’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, while editors are covered under the Post-Production Majors Agreement. However, production workers were not included in the union, until now.
“DreamWorks and The Animation Guild have had a relationship since the studio started. In those first days, DreamWorks was interested in offering the same working conditions as the other studios in order to attract the best talent possible. Today, we extend that coverage to ensure the production staff can enjoy the best working conditions we can negotiate with the company,” says TAG Business Representative Steve Kaplan.
With this victory, The Animation Guild now represents more than 70% of production workers across AMPTP signatory studios, solidifying its role as a pivotal force in advocating for the rights, fair wages, and working conditions of animation production workers.
“We won’t stop organizing animation production until all work is covered,” says TAG Organizer Allison Smartt. “These folks deserve a voice on the job and the benefits and protections of a Union contract just as much as anyone else.”
For the 160 production workers at DWA who have successfully unionized, the victory marks a pivotal moment in their careers.
“Joining TAG was something I wanted for myself and for everyone who would come into these production roles after me, says production coordinator (TV) Mars Marson. “I wanted to change the industry for the better. The current OC and I got here together with our rugged determination, hours of strategizing, and the belief that we could change animation history.”
Adds Rachel Carlson, assistant to director/producer (Feature), “I am very proud of everyone who chose to participate in this process, making informed decisions and making their voice matter through the vote. It is validating to already see the positive effects of uniting under a cause and we will use this positive momentum as we begin the negotiation process. Our work is far from over but we are stronger than ever and excited to have our voices heard.”
The Animation Guild and the Editors Guild are committed to supporting their new members at DreamWorks Animation as they work towards negotiating their first collective bargaining agreement, aiming to set new industry standards for fair pay, benefits and working conditions.
The unionization effort at DreamWorks Animation signifies a growing movement within the animation industry towards collective bargaining and workplace democracy. It reflects a broader trend of workers advocating for their rights and underscores the importance of solidarity in achieving meaningful change.
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.
The Editors Guild represents more than 9,000 post-production professionals nationally, working in both live-action and animated motion pictures. It is a local of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE), the largest union of behind-the-scenes entertainment workers.
