In a first for the industry, Marvel Studios’ visual effects employees have unanimously voted in favor of unionizing with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the company announced Wednesday.
The vote marks the first time that an exclusive VFX unit has unionized with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Photo; The Direct
The Marvel Studios workers initially filed for the election on August 7, and ballots were cast and collected between August 21 and September 11. All voters were ultimately in favor of unionizing with IATSE. There were no dissenting votes.
“Today, VFX workers at Marvel Studios spoke with a unanimous, collective voice, demanding fair pay for the hours they work, healthcare, a safe and sustainable working environment, and respect for the work they do,” Mark Patch, VFX organizer for IATSE, said in a statement. “There could be no stronger statement highlighting the overwhelming need for us to continue our work and bring union protections and standards to all VFX workers across the industry. And there could be no stronger example of the courage and solidarity of these workers than each and every one of them declaring ‘union YES!’”
Photo: Marvel Studios
Will Other VFX Units Follow Suit?
While so far, Marvel Studio is the only in-house VFX team to vote to unionize, Walt Disney Pictures VFX staff may soon follow in their footsteps.
Years from now, Marvel VFX employees’ decision to unionize could be groundbreaking.
Photo: Also Marvel/Empire
“This is historic and I’m glad to be part of it,” Thomas Barnard, VFX coordinator at Marvel, said in a statement. “Not only will this radically change the game by increasing the quality of storytelling through our work, it’s also a huge step forward for taking care of the unsung individuals who helped to build the industry.”
The next step for the union will be to engage in collective bargaining negotiations with Marvel Studios. As of now, no negotiation dates have been set.
Photo: Disney
The IATSE Responds
For their part, the IATSE was thrilled to welcome Marvel VFX artists into their union.
Photo: Also Marvel
“Today’s count demonstrates the unprecedented demand for unionization across new sectors of the entertainment industry is very real,” IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb said. “To these VFX workers, I congratulate you on your historic victory. Your bravery, determination, and unity are a beacon for workers not just in VFX, not just in entertainment, but workers in every industry across this country and beyond. You will enter negotiations with Marvel and Disney with the full backing and support of our 170,000 strong alliance. Your fight is our fight.”
Photo: Also Marvel
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon! Also, thanks for reading!
