The 14-person team at Gladius Studios in San Juan have successfully voted to unionize under The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 (TAG). On July 12, paperwork was officially filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of fair representation for animation workers in Puerto Rico.
“By organizing and collaborating together, we strive to build a brighter and prosperous future for all, fostering a stronger company that embraces diversity and promotes transparency to ensure the studios success and employees well being,” said Adadell Álvarez, a texture artist lead at the studio.
Modeler Sylvette Rosario added, “We wanted to have a voice, and be heard. But also we want to make Gladius a more sustainable place to work, opening more doors to retain creative talent in Puerto Rico.”
This victory for Gladius workers marks the first time The Animation Guild has successfully organized a studio outside the continental United States.
“The artists at Gladius Studios may be small in number but their unity is mighty,” says TAG Organizer Ben Speight. “This campaign is the latest example that The Animation Guild has the backs of animation artists and workers from L.A. and N.Y. to Texas and Puerto Rico, and everywhere in between. These workers simply want a seat at the table with their employer and are determined to ensure that animation is able to thrive in Puerto Rico in a just and sustainable way.”
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 6,000 artists, technicians and writers in the animation industry, advocating for workers to improve wages and conditions.
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