The members of The Animation Guild, Local 839 IATSE, have ratified the new 2015-2018 contract, which the Guild negotiated with animation studios represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) from June 29 to July 1st of this year. The Guild, though one of the West Coast production locals in the IATSE,…

The IA locals that comprise the bargaining unit for the Basic Agreement, have spoken. Members of 13 Hollywood locals of the IATSE have ratified a new film and TV contract. The deal with management’s AMPTP, which was reached in April, provides for 3% pay raises in each year of the three-year contract, as well as…

Since I’m diving into new 401(k) enrollment meetings, here are seven human frailties that impede our ability to make good decisions generally … and especially about money. 1. Connecting Correlation with Causation. 2. Confusing Luck and Skill. 3. We *love* shiny objects. We *love* shiny objects … often to our detriment. 4. We’re lousy at…

The Animation Guild completed negotiations for the new 2015-2018 contract on July 1st. Below are highlights of the new agreement (which boils down the more lengthy Memorandum of Agreement). … Q: There’s a lot of legal mumbo-jumbo in the included “Memorandum of Agreement.” Can you give me the highlights? A: Here you go. WAGES: Minimum…

The annual Wage Survey has been opened and we are requesting all members participate. This is one of the most important things your Union does. The Wage Survey gives the Union a snapshot of the state of the industry. But more importantly it helps you, the member, when you are seeking employment. The more you…

The Animation Guild reached agreement with the AMPTP at 11:00 p.m. on a new, three-year agreement that will run from August 1st, 2015 to July 31st, 2018. The deal follows the contours of the 2015 IATSE Basic Agreement, which includes: * 3% increases to contract wage minimums (compounded). * Unchanged Health Benefits (no increases to…

* Featured Post Artwork from Carol Simpson At the end of June, the Animation Guild will sit down with the major animation studios and negotiate a new three-year contract. The guild’s negotiation committee will meet in early June to go over proposals, but it’s important to know what the IA (our mother international) negotiated for…

On July 10, 11 and 12, the Animation Guild will participate in the IATSE District 2 Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii. If you wish to be considered for one of the limited number of Local 839 delegate positions you must be an active member in good standing and you must email us by April 17th, 2015….

Animation Guild Vice President Jack Thomas was elected President of the guild tonight at TAG’s January General Membership meeting. Mr. Thomas was nominated by the membership and elected by white ballot. Outgoing Animation Guild President Nathan Loofbourrow resigned as President at the end of 2014. As required by the guild’s constitution, an election was held…

At the December Executive Board meeting, Guild President Nathan Loofbourrow announced his intention to resign his office. According to Article 6, Section 9(a) of our Constitution and By-Laws, the presidential vacancy must be filled at the January General Membership meeting. Any eligible member of the Guild has the opportunity to be nominated and elected at…

As somebody who lives inside organized labor, this is heartening: Federal officials unveiled new rules on Friday that will streamline and simplify the union election process, a reform long sought by labor unions and fiercely opposed by businesses. Among other changes, the rules issued by the National Labor Relations Board will limit some of the…