VFX Workers at Walt Disney File to Unionize

VFX workers at Walt Disney Studios have made a historic move to file the National Labor Relations Board for an election to unionize. Over 80% of the 18 in-house visual effects crews have signed authorization cards for their intention to unionize. This move follows their fellow VFX workers at Marvel Studios, who joined together earlier this month and are currently holding union elections. 

The VFX workers at Walt Disney Pictures are backed by the VFX Union, aka VFX-IATSE. They have remained non-union since the first Star Wars films pioneered the field of production in the ‘70s until this year. With the increasing calls for improvements across the VFX Industry and sentiments rose from an earlier IATSE survey that exposed terrible working conditions and wages, unionizing workers are now demanding fair wages, adequate health care, retirement benefits, and the same rights and protections offered to unionized coworkers.

“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,” IATSE VFX organizer Mark Patch said in a statement. 

“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,” said Internationa President of IATSE Matthew D. Loeb.

The labor board election could begin as early as two or three weeks. If the majority of workers voted in favor of unionization, the studio would be required to negotiate a contrast to cover these workers as a group.