Game-Changing Move: Marvel VFX Workers Create History with Unanimous Vote to Unionize at Disney

Summary

Marvel Studios' VFX workers have made history by unanimously voting to unionize, demanding fair pay, healthcare, a safe working environment, and respect for their work.

For the first time ever, a dedicated group of VFX artists has now become part of IATSE, marking a significant departure from a long-standing industry tradition. This decision was reached in response to growing concerns over excessive workloads and unattainable time constraints encountered by VFX artists at Marvel Studios, especially with the expansion of the MCU onto Disney+.

Marvel Studios' VFX workers have achieved a momentous milestone in the industry by unanimously voting to unionize. Concerns regarding the quality of visual effects and CGI in recent Marvel Cinematic Universe projects prompted VFX artists at Marvel Studios to share their behind-the-scenes experiences, highlighting issues of exhaustion and unrealistic deadlines. With the expansion of the MCU onto Disney+ in 2021, these problems became even more prevalent. This historic vote comes in the wake of ongoing efforts by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes to advocate for improved rights for writers and actors. On September 13, 2023, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) announced on Twitter that Marvel Studios' visual effects artists had voted unanimously to form a union. This groundbreaking development represents the first time that a unit exclusively comprised of VFX artists has joined forces with IATSE. The vote, which took place on August 7, saw all 50 on-set employees in favor of unionizing and none opposed. In a statement, Mark Patch, VFX organizer with IATSE, emphasized that this vote was a clear call for "fair pay, access to healthcare, a safe and sustainable working environment, and recognition for their valuable contributions."

Source: IATSE/Twitter