Disney Animation Workers Seal the Deal: Historic First Union Contract Ratified!

Employees involved in production management at Walt Disney Animation Studios have successfully ratified their inaugural union contract with the company.

Following a robust organizing campaign, a substantial majority of production staff voted in favor of unionization in February 2023. This new agreement saw a high turnout with 96% participation in the vote, where it received a resounding 93% approval.

The decision confirmed that full-time production coordinators, production supervisors, and production managers were eligible to form a union under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839.

“Reaching this pinnacle has been a challenging journey, but we’ve finally made it. We stand here now, empowered, emboldened, and united,” expressed Tamara Lee, a production coordinator.

With this contract, production employees will benefit from pension and health benefits, alongside significant increases to minimum wage rates: 24% for production managers, 29% for production supervisors, and a notable 35% hike for production coordinators, who are the unit’s lowest earners.

Union organizer Allison Smartt remarked, “Throughout this slump in the entertainment production sector, management workers at one of the globe’s most influential companies have stood firm in demanding better conditions. Their ongoing battle for equitable treatment and compensation often goes unnoticed.” Smartt continued, “Their persistence in petitioning, organizing marches, arranging silent protests in front of company executives, and their relentless engagement in the struggle for fairness has been truly inspirational. This landmark contract will positively influence the future of the animation industry for years to come, and I believe they are far from finished.”

As negotiations with DreamWorks Animation continue, aiming for their first contract, this marks the second instance of feature film production management personnel organizing with TAG, now including their television sector peers.

Production supervisor Nicholas Ellingsworth shared, “In Hollywood, we cherish the underdog narrative. Our contract ratification is a perfect example—where those often overlooked and undercompensated united to demand better compensation and equity with our artistic colleagues. Ultimately, our voices were acknowledged, and we’ve established a route to further enhance the working conditions for production management.” Ellingsworth added, “We are closely watching our peers at DreamWorks Animation as they proceed with their negotiations, sending them all our best for success, patience, and resilience. Production management is adept at devising strategies to meet their objectives and overcoming challenges. I am confident they will succeed.”