Disney Follows Marvel VFX Workers in Moving to Unionize

Walt Disney Studio's VFX crews rock Disney for the second time in a month, outlining unequal treatment in the industry and demanding parity.

VFX workers rock Disney for the second time in a month, joining fellow Marvel staff in moving towards unionization.

Walt Disney Studios VFX workers are demanding fair pay for all hours worked alongside health and social care, redressing the unequal system that sees already unionized workers get better terms than they do, reports Variety. "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 IATSE Union President says. "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." The vote passed by a supermajority of over 80%.

Marvel echoed this exact sentiment earlier this August, winning a vote by an outright supermajority, indicating their desire to be represented by IATSE. Lobe expressed his solidarity then too, saying, "We’re experiencing a wave of solidarity that's breaking traditional barriers in the industry, reflecting a united front. This isn't happening randomly. Entertainment workers are standing up for each other, and that's what our movement embodies. I salute these workers for this courageous step and for harnessing their collective voice." Currently in the voting stages, a result for whether Marvel will be represented by IATSE is set to be called on Sep 12.

Bob Iger Remains Positive

The Disney President's positive outlook at a recent earnings meeting called for higher quality at a lower cost, namedropping tentpoles from both Disney and Marvel. Bob Iger did add that he was "personally committed" to ending the WGA dispute but may find himself embroiled in up to four strikes, depending on how the ballots, negotiations, and current struggling talks fare. Most recently, an AMPTP presented a set of terms to the WGA regarding AI use. The press release indicates that they were willing to agree with the concerns over AI-generated work, affirming that AI would not receive writer credits and thus not detract from human pay. The proposal did not confirm whether the AI would be trained using works from human writers.

Now, Disney VFX workers will hold a ballot, typically within the next few weeks, before confirming whether they will elect to be represented by IATSE. Previously considered a summer affair, disputes continuing into the fall can be seen as an affirmation of the "wave of solidarity that's breaking traditional barriers in the industry."