Another union is forming in Hollywood as Disney VFX workers have signed authorization cards to unionize under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. This comes after a filing with the National Labor Relations Board for an election to form the union. 80% of the artists and workers in the visual effects departments for the company signed the cards, pushing them forward in their current efforts amid the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Since the 1970s, CGI and other forms of visual effects have become important to Hollywood. Unlike other departments, such as writing and acting, these workers have remained not unionized. As the industry moved toward more advanced CGI that was necessary to showcase people shooting lasers from their eyes, cities getting ripped apart by invading aliens, and more, workers have been working like dogs with little compensation for the extra work. As conditions surpass a breaking point, workers are starting a movement to unionize, as seen with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA.
Disney VFX Workers Take Steps to Form a Union
Disney VFX workers are not the only ones fighting to unionize. Under the same umbrella of the company, Marvel VFX workers filed earlier this month. Marvel Studios has been one of the many studios with well-documented abuses toward VFX teams. Ballots will come in on September 11, with the count on September 12.
The Disney VFX workers voting to form their union have worked across film and TV projects. Split between film and making Disney Plus projects, the workers have more work than ever before, with a hefty cost to quality of life and pay. These teams have been responsible for films like The Lion King, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid.
A 2022 survey conducted by the IATSE shines a light on how poorly the visual effects industry is treated. Benefits, like health insurance and retirement, are nearly nonexistent as only 12% of workers have health insurance, and 15% have any retirement fund. Being overworked is one of the most notable issues. An average of 70% of workers are not compensated after working overtime. Many report not being able to have proper breaks, as 75% shared that they have had to skip breaks and meals due to being forced to work.
The recent filing and authorization vote from Disney VFX workers means the NLRB will respond in the coming weeks. Disney will have choices of union busting, which is a common response, or trying to negotiate with workers.
