Field Rep and Political Coordinator Leslie Simmons breaks down new laws that took effect in 2023. With the dawn of 2023, several new worker-friendly laws in California went into effect. Although some may not directly affect TAG members, they are laws that labor unions endorsed and lobbied to pass, and it’s important to share in…

On Sunday, February 26th at noon, the animation community in LA will come together at the Animation Guild in Burbank for our annual Afternoon of Remembrance. A non-denominational service where we remember, laugh, cry, and share stories, as we say one more goodbye to all our friends who left us in 2022. We will be celebrating…

On Saturday, Jan. 14, the LA Federation of Labor brought together people from all of the Los Angeles labor unions to celebrate the life and teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. at a breakfast event. Guest speakers include labor leaders, faith leaders and elected leaders, and all were united in reminding attendees that all labor…

As we look back on TAG in 2022, the words “first,” “historic,” and “unprecedented” occur often. TAG grew in L.A. TAG grew across the country. TAG members are more active than ever before. Read about some highlights from a truly successful year. JANUARY TAG hit the ground running in 2022. For the first time since…

TAG’s MPI health insurance plans offer numerous wellness benefits. For those with Anthem BlueCross, Kaiser Permanente, and Health Net, members are eligible for Active&Fit which offers $25/month or significantly discounted rates for gyms and fitness clubs. The process to join a gym is different for each provider. To find out what gyms and fitness clubs are…

The new year brings good news for TAG members and their 401k plans. A few changes mean opportunities to save more money. Following are these changes as well as advice and information on enrolling if you haven’t already. 2023 Contribution Increase Increasing by $2,000, the CAP for 2023 contribution limits is now $22,500. This is…

For years, Animation Guild members who subscribed to the Anthem Blue Cross Active PPO plan were required to receive their annual comprehensive physical exam at one of six UCLA Health Centers. The requirement has changed. Yes, you can now see any doctor for your annual physical; however, there are additional costs with not using a…

Tell us a little about your professional journey. My IATSE origin story begins like all good origin stories: in New Jersey. I was a sound engineer for a New Jersey venue, and though my position was not union-represented at the time (it has since become so, yay!), other backstage stagehand positions were. I experienced a…

On September 27, 2022, James Stewart, a professional registered parliamentarian, spoke about how and why to use Parliamentary Procedure during Union meetings, the relationship between Parliamentary Procedure and our bylaws, and more. The talk was hosted by the Young Workers Committee whose chair, Nora Meeks, introduced Stewart. Parliamentary Procedure, also known as Rules of Order,…

On August 24, Lori Rubinstein, Executive Director of Behind the Scenes, shared tools, resources, and information about mental health care and suicide prevention specifically for IATSE and entertainment industry workers and their families. Launched in 2019, Behind the Scenes is a mental health and suicide prevention initiative with a focus on the unique nature of…

On August 11 and 12, animation workers at Titmouse New York and production animation workers at Titmouse Los Angeles will begin separate negotiations for their first Union contracts with The Animation Guild (TAG), IATSE Local 839. These efforts mark a significant milestone for TAG and animation industry workers. They will also designate Titmouse as a…

On July 15, Bud Green, a retirement plan consultant from SageView Advisory Group, provided an overview of 401(k) plans including information on plans available to TAG members. Green’s presentation included what types of plans to choose at specific ages, what to invest, taxes, the market, and more. Your goal should be to have enough money…