Animation Guild Votes to Approve New 3-Year Film and TV Contract

IATSE Local 839 approved deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers

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The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, voted on Thursday to ratify a new film and TV contract. The guild overwhelmingly approved a three-year deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

Of the 1,081 valid votes cast, there were 868 “yes” votes (80.2 percent) and 213 “no” votes (19.7 percent) in order to ratify the 2018-2021 Animation Guild Master Agreement. There were 3,695 eligible voters.

Wage minimums will increase by 3 percent in each year of the agreement, retroactive back to July 29, 2018. The new deal began on Aug. 1, 2018 and will continue for three years until July 31, 2021. Unit rate increases in the agreement will take effect beginning Oct. 28, 2018.

Regarding health and pension benefits, the outline to the new deal details that “there are no increases to premiums, and no reductions in benefits. There are no changes to hours needed to qualify for or maintain benefits.”

“We believe this agreement makes substantial gains in key areas identified by the surveys, membership meetings and craft meetings that were held during negotiation preparations. We think this is a strong agreement and look forward to working with all members to continue to address cultural and economic issues that are not addressed by the language of this deal. This contract is a foundation, but there is much more work to do,” Jason MacLeod, the guild’s business representative said in a statement.

“As a labor union, our strength comes from our members’ willingness to engage and act. Leading up to and during negotiations, we saw a significant increase in participation and member willingness to visibly support their union. While that had a strong effect, we want to encourage even greater involvement so together we may strive for even greater gains in the future. We want to thank the negotiating committee and all who participated in meetings, surveys and committee groups to research and formulate proposals. Member participation is integral to the health of the union – your participation made a difference this time. We hope to work together with all members to continue to build strength for the future,” MacLeod continued.

You can read the full specifics of the new deal posted onto the IATSE website here. You can also find more information on the guild’s 2018 Negotiations homepage.

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