Visual effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures are seeking to unionize and have filed with the National Labor Relations Board to begin the process of an election to unionize.
Disney’s VFX workers join Marvel Studios’ group, who also will be voting for unionization this year
According to a recent report from Variety, a supermajority (over 80%) of the 18 in-house visual effects workers at the company have signed authorization cards signaling a desire to unionize. The group hopes to join IATSE, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, a union that represents behind-the-scenes entertainment workers.
The move is just the second time in history that VFX professionals have come together to try and unionize, with the first attempt coming earlier this month. Early in August, VFX workers at Marvel Studios also voted to unionize, with the vote count set to take place on September 12, 2023.
In a statement, IATSE VFX organizer Mark Patch praised the move, calling the workers “courageous” and saying the move was “a clear sign that our campaign is not about one studio or corporation.”
“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,” said Patch. “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.”
“The determination of these VFX workers is not just commendable, it’s groundbreaking. 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,” International President of IATSE Matthew D. Loeb said.
The move comes as both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA‘s strikes continue since their start earlier this year.
