Animation Workers Unite: DreamWorks, Netflix, and NBCUniversal Employees Vote to Unionize

Remote workers at DreamWorks Animation, feature production staffers at Netflix Animation Studios, and production workers on NBCUniversal’s “Ted” have successfully voted to unionize with the Animation Guild (TAG) in three separate elections. The votes were announced on December 23 and December 30, 2023, marking a significant step for animation workers seeking better representation and working conditions.

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The DreamWorks remote workers voted in favor of union representation on December 23, 2023. This group includes story artists, animators, character effects artists, technical directors, lighters, visual development artists, modelers, and production coordinators who contribute to projects based in Los Angeles. The Netflix Animation Studios feature production workers followed suit, voting to join TAG on December 30, 2023. Additionally, production workers on “Ted” also voted to unionize with both the Animation Guild and the Editors Guild on December 23.

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The shift to remote work has become increasingly common among animators, largely due to the rising cost of living in Los Angeles. However, existing Animation Guild contracts traditionally cover only workers within Los Angeles County, prompting remote employees to seek union representation to address their unique challenges and needs.

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Anthony Holden, a remote story artist and organizing committee member based in Washington State, expressed the importance of unity among workers, stating, “I’ve valued the opportunity to help unite our voices in seeking equality with our on-campus counterparts in terms of workers’ rights, fair pay, access to healthcare and retirement benefits.” Erin Sullivan, a production coordinator at Netflix Animation Studios, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the excitement of representing themselves as a unit. TAG Business Representative Steve Kaplan noted the overwhelming support for union representation, highlighting the challenges faced during the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election process and the impact of the government shutdown on their efforts.

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While the unionization efforts have been met with enthusiasm from many workers, there may be dissenting views from those who prefer to remain non-unionized or who are concerned about the implications of union membership on workplace dynamics and flexibility.

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With the successful votes, the Animation Guild is expected to begin negotiations with the respective companies to secure agreements that address the needs of remote workers, including fair pay, healthcare access, and retirement benefits. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched as they may set precedents for future unionization efforts within the animation industry.

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• “I’ve valued the opportunity to help unite our voices in seeking equality with our on-campus counterparts in terms of workers’ rights, fair pay, access to healthcare and retirement benefits,” — Anthony Holden, Remote Story Artist

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• “As a part of TAG, I’m excited for the opportunity we now have to represent ourselves as a unit,” — Erin Sullivan, Production Coordinator, Netflix Animation Studios

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• “TAG Business Representative Steve Kaplan added: “These units overwhelmingly voted in favor of TAG representation after facing the degrading process of being forced into an NLRB election and the unnecessary delay of the government shutdown.” — Steve Kaplan, TAG Business Representative

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