Disney VFX Workers Are Voting To Unionize Amid WGA And SAG-AFTRA Strikes
Image Source: CultureSlate
Visual effects crews are beginning to unionize. After the VFX teams at Marvel Studios voted to unionize earlier in the month, those of Walt Disney Studios have now taken similar steps. A supermajority of those crew members have signalled their desire to unionize, and have now filed for an election to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board. That election could commence as soon as two to three weeks. Should a majority of workers vote to unionize, Walt Disney Studios would be required to negotiate a contract in good faith with those workers.
The field of VFX workers was first pioneered with the production of the original trilogy of Star Wars films and has remained non-union since that time. The demands of these VFX workers are much the same as their co-workers who are already represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Those include fair compensation for hours worked, retirement benefits, and adequate health care.
RELATED:
In a statement, IATSE VFX organiser Mark Patch said, “Today, courageous Visual Effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures overcame the fear and silence that have kept our community from having a voice on the job for decades. With an overwhelming supermajority of these crews demanding an end to ‘the way VFX has always been,’ this is a clear sign that our campaign is not about one studio or corporation. It’s about VFX workers across the industry using the tools at our disposal to uplift ourselves and forge a better path forward.”
Matthew D. Loeb, International President of IATSE also had some positive words to give. “The determination of these VFX workers is not just commendable, it’s groundbreaking. Their collective action against the status quo represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry. The chorus of voices demanding change is unprecedented and demonstrates our united movement is not about any one company, but about setting a precedent of dignity, respect, and fairness for all.”
READ NEXT:
Source: Variety
Latest News
Featured
