As the world of animation continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the talented individuals behind these captivating creations are gearing up for a crucial moment in their fight for fair wages and working conditions. Next year, IATSE and The Animation Guild will enter negotiations for their new contracts, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. If these unions are forced to strike to secure the deals they deserve, we, as fellow creators, must stand in unwavering solidarity with them.
Next year, IATSE and The Animation Guild will enter negotiations for their new contracts. If they have to strike to get the deals they deserve from the studios, we will provide the same support that we’ve done for WGA and SAG-AFTRA.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 9, 2023
Solidarity always & forever! pic.twitter.com/Qtc7YxpYjc
IATSE and The Animation Guild
In the past, we’ve witnessed the power of unity in action. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have demonstrated the resilience and strength of organized labor, securing significant gains for their members through collective bargaining. The animation industry deserves no less.
IATSE and The Animation Guild represent a diverse range of workers who bring animated stories to life, from character designers and storyboard artists to colorists and production assistants. These individuals pour their hearts and souls into their craft, often working long hours for modest pay. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and they deserve fair compensation for their contributions.
The studios, driven by profit margins, have a history of undervaluing the work of animation professionals. They often demand more from workers while offering little in return, leading to burnout, low morale, and a revolving door of talent. This exploitation must end.
In the upcoming negotiations, IATSE and The Animation Guild will be fighting for fair wages, healthcare benefits, and safe working conditions. They will be seeking to address the gender and racial pay disparities that plague the industry. They will be demanding that the studios respect their right to organize and bargain collectively.
If the studios fail to listen to the reasonable demands of these unions, the workers may be forced to take strike action. This would not be an easy decision, but it would be a necessary one. A strike would send a powerful message that the workers of the animation industry are united and will not stand for exploitation any longer.
As creators, we have a responsibility to support our fellow artists in their fight for fair treatment. We can do this by spreading awareness about the upcoming negotiations, donating to the union strike funds, and participating in solidarity actions. We can also use our platforms to amplify the voices of animation workers, sharing their stories and experiences with the world.
Together, we can make a difference. We can show the studios that we stand united with IATSE and The Animation Guild. We can show them that we value the work of animation professionals and that we demand fair treatment for all.
Solidarity is our strength. Solidarity is our voice. Solidarity is our victory.
