The animation union IATSE Local 839 and the AMPTP concluded negotiations this week without reaching an agreement, and plan to resume negotiations on a new three-year contract in mid-September, diverse I have learned.
The Animation Artists, Technicians, Writers and Production Workers Guild, which represents an estimated 5,000 artists, technicians, writers and production workers in the animation industry, began negotiating with the entity representing producers on Aug. 12. The main agreement expires Friday; it is traditionally extended during that period.
As with other recent Hollywood labor negotiations including the Writers Guild of America, Amid negotiations between the SAG and the TRA that led to last year’s historic double strike, key issues for the animation guild have included protecting the next generation of AI amid concerns about potential job displacement. In preparation for those negotiations, the SAG partnered with CAA and CVL Economics earlier this year on an impact study that predicted that 29% of animation jobs could be disrupted in the next three years.
Other major issues expected to be addressed during the negotiations include layoffs and outsourcing. Based on anecdotal research and internal surveys, TAG estimates that a third of TAG’s animation workforce has been laid off in the past year. Regarding outsourcing, TAG reports that animation studios in Los Angeles County continue to send work to studios in Asia and Europe, some of which are in turn trying to hire workers in Los Angeles at lower rates without the benefits and protections that a union provides.
Last weekend, the Animation Guild organized a “Stand with Animation” demonstration.
The International Federation of Cinematographers' Basic Agreement was ratified last month. Workers in 13 local unions including the International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600), the Film Editors Guild (Local 700), and the Art Directors Guild (Local 800) work under this agreement.
