VFX Workers on ‘Avatar,' Marvel and Disney Projects Ratify IATSE Contracts
The contracts include standard union protections like overtime pay, eligibility for the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan, meal penalties, rest periods and turnaround times. The Disney/Marvel contract also includes raises of 4% in the first year and 3.5% in the second year, matching the raises negotiated last year by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
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'I want to congratulate the member of these VFX bargaining units on negotiating fair contracts that earned such strong support,' said Matthew Loeb, international president of IATSE. 'From when they started this process until today, the leadership and determination shown by these members has been an inspiration.'
The vote marks a milestone on the long journey to unionize VFX workers, who have struggled against tight deadlines and long hours. About 50 Marvel workers voted unanimously to join IATSE in 2023, followed a month later by a 13-0 vote among Disney VFX workers. The 'Avatar' VFX workers voted 57-19 in favor of unionization in January 2024.
The contracts cover workers who are employed directly by Disney or Marvel, and in the case of 'Avatar,' by Lightstorm Entertainment. They do not cover the thousands of workers who are employed by third-party VFX companies.
The 'Avatar' contract includes the language on artificial intelligence that was included in the IATSE Basic Agreement last year, according to a summary put out by the union. The summary of the Disney/Marvel deal did not mention AI.
'This is not just a victory for Marvel/Disney, but a much-needed win for the entire VFX industry,' said Cael Liakos-Gilbert, a VFX data wrangler at Marvel, in a statement, calling it one of the proudest moments of his life. 'We've proven what is possible through determination and willpower, and don't have to speculate or be shrouded in cynicism and doubt any longer. We've put ink to paper and given our people the contract we deserve.'
Mack Robinson, a Disney VFX coordinator, said he hoped the contracts would mark 'the first step to a broader change for the VFX industry.'
Justin Meade, who works on 'Avatar,' said he hoped other VFX workers would follow suit and vote to organize.
'Our power is in our labor, and our voices are heard through our solidarity, and now the Avatar crew will all have the chance at an equitable life working in one of our country's best industries,' he said.
VFX workers at Apple Studios also voted 12-0 to organize with IATSE last year. Workers at DNEG, a major Canadian VFX firm, also unionized in 2023 and 2024.
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