Visual effects workers as part of IATSE‘s VFX union have overwhelmingly ratified their first negotiated contracts with Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, and those who work on the “Avatar” films, IATSE announced today.
The guild released details of the collective bargaining agreements for both the Disney/Marvel workers and for “Avatar” workers. It’s the first time visual effects workers in Hollywood have union representation and a negotiated contract, a long-fought battle that began in earnest when they officially unionized in 2023.
IATSE touted that organizing helped win VFX workers the same benefits and rights as their co-workers in other union crafts, and the hope is that other VFX professionals across North America will also unionize and join the cause down the road.
“I want to congratulate the members of these VFX bargaining units on negotiating fair contracts that earned such strong support. From when they started this process until today, the leadership and
determination shown by these members has been an inspiration,” IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb said in a statement.
Among the terms won are overtime pay and minimum hour guarantees, the inclusion in the MPI Healthcare & Pension plan, with contributions backdated for hours worked to August 1, 2024, minimum rates established for all titles and pay raises on those minimum rates effective as of January 1, 2025, rate increases that match what the other crafts negotiated as part of their Basic Agreement last year, turnaround and rest protections that match what editorial crew gets, better job descriptions for each role, the elimination of “at-will” employment, and extra pay for hazardous set conditions.
The Disney and Marvel contract extends for four years, and the “Avatar” contract lasts for three years. The “Avatar” contract also includes preferential hiring rights for the subsequent movies if you already worked on the prior ones, and it adopts the same AI protections as in the Basic Agreement. Check out the details of the Disney/Marvel contract here and the “Avatar” contract here.
Some IATSE members celebrated the new contracts on Friday, calling them long overdue.
“This is not just a victory for Marvel/Disney, but a much-needed win for the entire VFX industry. Seeing this come together after over two years as an organizer, contract negotiator, and now a founding union member is one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Cael Liakos-Gilbert, VFX Data Wrangler at Marvel. “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.”
“The road to now has been long, but very fruitful. This agreement with Disney and Marvel is what I hope is just the first step to a broader change for the VFX industry,” Mack Robinson, VFX Coordinator at Disney, said. “Getting the recognition of fair pay for good work. I’m very proud to be a founding member, organizer and contract negotiator for this deal and we couldn’t have done it without everyone who supported our cause. In our craft, we’re always looking at ways to improve and overcome challenges on a daily basis, and this is another example of what we can do when we all come together.”
