In what’s being called an ‘historic week of organizing’ at The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, workers at Netflix Animation Studios, on ‘Ted’ at DreamWorks/NBCUniversal, and at SpindleHorse have formally moved to join the union.
The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 (TAG), has just shared news that three different groups of animation workers have announced this week that they are forming a union with TAG.According to TAG, “These campaigns underscore the significant momentum for labor organizing across the animation industry, from streaming features to prime-time productions to independent studios.”
After nearly two years of dedicated organizing, a group of 60 production workers at Netflix Animation Studios (feature productions) has submitted a request for union recognition to the studio.
“Production workers in animation deserve the same protections as artists—we deserve to fight for sustainable careers,” says Ana Tessier, Production Coordinator at Netflix.“I’m so thrilled that now we’ll have a seat at the negotiating table.I’m equally inspired by organizing efforts at other studios — the more studios start to unionize, the more we can create a stable future for the animation industry at large.” At the same time a dedicated group of 12 production workers on the series (DreamWorks/NBC Universal) has also requested to join The Animation Guild and The Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700.
“We've been hard at work the last two months trying to get this show on the road and it's incredible to see what we've accomplished in such a short amount of time – and to see all the bravery and camaraderie that's come along with it!” says Production Coordinator Kelly Simmons.“It's been inspiring to see so many production teams joining the union over the last few years.I hope others will find our efforts equally inspiring and feel encouraged to fight for positive change in their own workplaces.” “For the last five years, production workers at almost every major animation studio in Southern California have demanded recognition for the essential role they play keeping the animation pipeline flowing,” says organizer Allison Smartt.
“Many union production workers are negotiating their second contracts, proof that this movement is here to stay.From DreamWorks to Disney and Nickelodeon, they continue to fight for living wages, demand respect for their crafts, and negotiate strong contracts.Now it’s time for production workers at Netflix and to join this community and access the same opportunities.” While most animation artists, writers, and technicians working on Los Angeles-based projects have traditionally been represented by TAG, there are some independent studios that are not working under a union contract.
Animation artists at SpindleHorse requested and received voluntary recognition on Wednesday, Sept.16, from the independent studio founded by creator and TAG member Vivienne Medrano to be represented by TAG.Known for working on the Prime Video series in collaboration with Bento Box, SpindleHorse also produces , whose third season premiered on Sept.
10, 2025.The upcoming second season of will premiere on Oct.29, 2025.
This unit includes 106 artists across multiple crafts — storyboard artists, background designers, illustrators, 2D FX artists, and more — who are looking forward to negotiating a first contract.“SpindleHorse is leading the charge in the indie animation industry by pushing for stability for its passionate and highly creative team,” says Melanie An, Clean Up/Renderer.“We look forward to working with SpindleHorse to overcome boundaries and show what dedicated artists can achieve in the indie scene!” Adds Storyboard Artist Amelia Kasten: “I am so thrilled for us to move forward with negotiating a collective bargaining agreement that will not only elevate Spindle as a studio but will also allow these incredible employees to take ownership of their careers and build a more sustainable community at our home studio that benefits all!” Most of the artists at SpindleHorse work remotely across the U.S and outside of LA County on LA-based projects.
Often, remote workers are not provided the same wages and benefits as artists working on the same projects at union-covered studios.“As a national local, TAG has the backs of animation workers regardless of their ZIP codes so long as they are willing to stand up for themselves and their co-workers,” says TAG Organizer Ben Speight.Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
Powerhouse Animation Workers Ratify TAG 839 Union Contract
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 Animation Guild Leaders to Vote Against New Contract
The Animation Guild Unveils New Contract Terms
The Animation Guild and AMPTP Reach Tentative Agreement
Animation Guild Local 839 Elects New Leadership
Fred Films Signs With Local 839 For Union Representation
