When it comes time to negotiate your next contract, there are a lot of variables that go into determining how much you deserve to be paid: What is the average pay rate for your job title? Was your last job above or below the average? How does a non-union studio compare to the work and…

Alan Bodner, art director on Tangled, recently unveiled a series of artwork that celebrates song and dance. We spoke with him about the inspiration behind it and how he approaches his work. What was the inspiration behind your recent artwork? I have had a passion for dance since childhood.  In her earlier years, my great…

Up until recently, only your employer could pre-qualify you for training classes. That has changed! In the past, this process (of providing proof of 30 days worked in the past two years) was tied to registering for Skills Training. Now, TAG 839 members can prove eligibility for Skills Training through Contract Services even if they aren’t…

Whether you’re welcoming a new child into your home or taking care of an ill family member, the last thing you should be worrying about is your job. That is why it is important for everyone to understand what rights you and your co-workers have when it comes to Family Leave. Family Leave provides you…

Did you miss the last Lunch & Learn? On Jan. 23, Brock Collins, the Senior Membership Development officer at First Entertainment, came to the Guild to help members understand their credit score better—what affects it and how you can improve your score. For those who couldn’t attend, here are a few highlights from his talk….

On Monday, thousands of teachers will go on strike to fight for the future of education in Los Angeles. As artists, parents, and fellow union workers, the Animation Guild stands in solidarity with United Teachers of Los Angeles and encourages all of our members to get involved however they can. If you would like to…

If you find yourself laid off from a job at a union studio, you may be entitled to Dismissal Pay. The amount you may receive is based off how long you have worked without a break in continuous employment. For these purposes, a “break in continuous employment” includes: Voluntary resignation, discharge for cause, layoff for…

1. What is Harassment Prevention training? Harassment Prevention training is a negotiated training requirement offered by Contract Services that covers how to recognize, prevent and report harassment, discrimination and retaliation. There are two online courses. Your classification or job duties will determine which course you will be required to complete. The “HP1” – Harassment Prevention…

It is with great regret and sadness that we report the death of Michael Four, lead counsel for the Animation Guild (pictured above with the TAG Negotiations committee, eighth from the right). Michael spent 37 years fighting tirelessly for the rights of working people across the nation. He spent his entire career with our firm,…

Los Angeles (October 26, 2018) – The members of the Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 (TAG), have ratified a new three-year deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). TAG membership voted decidedly in favor of ratification. Of the 1081 valid votes cast there were 868 “yes” votes (80.2%) and 213 “no”…

The California IATSE Council, of which the Animation Guild is a member, is lobbying in support of Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher’s (D-San Diego) bill AB 3080 which would end to the practice of forced arbitration clauses in employee contracts. Leaders of the #MeToo movement assert that these agreements prevent victims of sexual harassment from coming…

Last Thursday morning, the IATSE Basic negotiations concluded. While our own negotiations are still planned for August 28-30, here are the terms of the tentative IATSE Basic Agreement that most directly relate to Animation Guild members. Key Gains: No reductions to health and pension. For retirees, 13th and 14th checks continue for those that have qualified for them,…