Production workers at Walt Disney Animation Studios have secured a historic first union contract, with 93% of participating members voting in favor of the agreement. The deal offers improved pension and health benefits, increased minimum wage rates, and sets a new standard for production coordinators, supervisors, and managers.
The contract, which is a side letter to The Animation Guild’s existing contract, provides significant gains for workers, including a 24% increase in minimum wage for production managers, a 29% rise for production supervisors, and a 35% boost for production coordinators. Union organizers say the agreement will have positive impacts on the animation industry long into the future.
The union drive at Disney began in 2022, with workers voting to join The Animation Guild in April 2023. Negotiations over a first contract started in April 2024 and concluded with this historic ratification vote. The Disney union drive was seen as a major win for underrepresented workers, who are now empowered to demand better pay and equity.
Industry insiders hail the deal as a significant victory, with one production supervisor noting that “we were heard and seen” throughout the negotiation process. As the animation industry continues to evolve, this landmark contract sets an important precedent for future labor disputes.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/walt-disney-animation-studios-production-union-contract-1236156826