Marvel VFX Workers Unanimously Vote To Unionize

They are the first workers in their field to form such a union

The votes are in! Marvel Studios’ Visual Effects Workers unanimously voted yes to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, or IATSE, the union announced Wednesday. The election was held by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

This marks the first time since the visual effects industry began that a group only made of VFX Workers has unionized with IATSE. The election was held by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The workers filed for it on August 7, while the voting period began August 21 and ended Monday, September 11. Tuesday was the tallying and so the all in favor and zero against results came to pass.

Anna George, Assistant Coordinator at Marvel described witnessing the vote count live on a Zoom call: “it was so emotional hearing the yes’s and knowing we were fighting for what we deserve. What a powerful moment!” Carolyn Newes, VFX Coordinator at Marvel, concurred: “I’m just so excited I could be part of this in some small way. It’s so needed and so appreciated by everyone.”

In the release, IATSE describes the unanimous result and high turnout as demonstrative of the “unwavering collective determination” to achieve the same rights and protections as their unionized peers in other fields of the broader film and TV production industry. Mark Patch, VFX Organizer for IATSE stated, “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. 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!”"

Following the election, the union will next engage in collective bargaining negotiations with Marvel to start building a contract, their collective bargaining agreement, that addresses the represented workers' needs. They are used to outline terms and conditions of employment, addressing aspects such as wages, hours, and working conditions. Good faith negotiations are obligatory for both sides. As of this writing, no negotiation dates have been scheduled.

These come amidst Walt Disney Pictures VFX staffers’ own ongoing vote which is expected to go until October 2. And of course, the ongoing strikes by both SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America, in pursuit of fair contracts with the major studios and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Source: IATSE