Remote workers at DWA, feature production workers at Netflix Animation Studios, and production workers on the show ‘Ted’ officially voted for union representation with TAG (IATSE Local 839) and The Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700).
DreamWorks Animation (DWA) remote workers across the United States, feature production workers at Netflix Animation Studios, and Production Workers on the show , have officially voted to unionize with The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) and The Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700), in an effort to “ensure fair pay and treatment for all animation workers.”
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ballot count for DWA remote workers was held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.PST, resulting in a majority “yes” vote in favor of union representation with The Animation Guild.
DWA will formally recognize the remote bargaining unit under TAG and begin the process of negotiating a contract.The newly-recognized unit represents remote workers living throughout the U.S.who contribute to LA – based DWA animation projects across both feature and television.
These workers perform work already covered under TAG’s Master Agreement when done onsite on campus in LA County, and include roles such as Story Artists, Animators, Character Effects Artists, Technical Directors, Lighters, Visual Development Artists, Modelers, and Production Coordinators, among others.According to TAG, remote workers organized to address longstanding inequities between remote and on-campus employees.Union recognition establishes a path forward for collective bargaining aimed at securing equal treatment and sustainable working conditions for remote employees.
Anthony Holden, a remote Story Artist and Organizing Committee member based in Washington State, commented, “I’ve valued the opportunity to help unite our voices in seeking equality with our on-campus counterparts in terms of workers' rights, fair pay, access to healthcare and retirement benefits, among other issues.We look forward to negotiating with the company to secure a fair agreement that will foster a workplace environment which is equitable to remote employees and will contribute to DreamWorks’ commercial and artistic success.” Similarly, Feature Production Workers at Netflix Animation Studios and Production Workers on the show voted to unionize with TAG and The Editors Guild in elections that took place on December 30th and December 23rd respectively.“During my five years at NAS, my amazing production colleagues have shown up each day with diligence, passion, and a breadth of skills and experience both creative and strategic,” said Production Coordinator Erin Sullivan.
“As a part of TAG, I’m excited for the opportunity we now have to represent ourselves as a unit, and I'm encouraged by the other production management teams in our industry who have set the bar.”
TAG’s Business Representative Steve Kaplan added, “These units overwhelmingly voted in favor of TAG representation after facing the degrading process of being forced into an NLRB election and the unnecessary delay of the government shutdown.We are continuing to expand our jurisdiction both inside and outside the scope of our Master Agreement as we continue to look forward to protecting the rights of all animation workers regardless of zip code.”
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
Danny Lin Elected The Animation Guild President
The Animation Guild Announces 2 DreamWorks Animation Worker Union Milestones
The Animation Guild, CVL Economics Release CA Animation Tax Incentives Study
The Animation Guild Ratifies New AMPTP Contract
The Animation Guild Releases Statement on Contract Ratification
3 Different Animation Worker Groups Submit for Union Recognition with TAG 839
Powerhouse Animation Workers Ratify TAG 839 Union Contract
Animation Guild Local 839 Elects New Leadership
