Walt Disney Animation Studios production management workers have ratified their first union contract with the studio, per Variety.
Walt Disney Studios
The agreement follows an organizing effort that saw a supermajority of workers vote to unionize in February 2023. It was ratified with 96% voter participation and 93% support.
The new contract affirms the eligibility of full-time production coordinators, supervisors, and managers to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839.
Walt Disney Studios
Production coordinator Tamara Lee shared, “It’s been an uphill journey, but at long last, we’ve reached the mountaintop. We are standing in our breakthrough — stronger, bolder, and united.”
With this new contract, production workers will now receive protections including health benefits and pension. Substantial wage increases have also been negotiated. Production managers will receive a 24% increase, production supervisors are to receive a 29% increase, and production coordinators (the lowest-paid in the unit) will receive a 35% pay bump.
Cinderella Castle
“During this downturn in entertainment production, production management workers at one of the most powerful corporations in the world stood up and demanded more. Their daily fight for fair treatment and pay is often outside the public eye,” said union organizer Allison Smartt.
She added, “They’ve been signing petitions, marching to deliver signatures, staging courageous silent protests in front of executives, and regularly engaging in the fight for their fair share for years, setting an inspiring example. They’ve won a historic contract that will have positive impacts long into the future and throughout the animation industry and I know they aren’t done yet.”
Walt Disney Company Headquarters in Burbank
Negotiations are also underway with DreamWorks Animation for their first contract, which would mark the second time film production management workers have organized with TAG.
This news comes as a contract negotiation round is set for Disney World Cast Members at the Italy Pavilion, where employees hope to “bring them up to Disney standards.” Further, some Disney Springs employees do not have a union. Per the Local 737 union statement, some of these non-unioned Cast Members “lack access to essential benefits like affordable health insurance, paid vacation, and paid sick days.”
Disney Springs
We’ll continue to keep you updated on the latest Disney union contract negotiation updates.
In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for more Walt Disney Company updates. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!
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It’s good to hear that Disney is moving in the right direction in respecting the contributions of their employees.