VFX Workers At Walt Disney Pictures Move To Unionize With IATSE

Disney’s visual effects crew filed for an election to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board with the backing of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union announced that, just weeks after Marvel’s VFX moved to unionize.

More than 80% of Walt Disney Picture’s 18 in-house VFX crewmembers signed their authorization cards, IATSE said in a release. The group of 18 in-house workers is the second at a Disney company to push towards unionizing with IATSE. A unit of 52 employees at Marvel Studios asked the company to recognize IATSE as their bargaining representative earlier this month.

“The determination of these VFX workers is not just commendable, it’s groundbreaking,” said IATSE President Matt Loeb. “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.”

In a statement, IATSE organizer Mark Patch said: “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.”