IATSE’s District 2 represents approximately 45,000 members, and the annual IATSE D2 Convention is an opportunity for delegates from 49 Locals in Arizona, California, Hawai‘i, and Nevada to come together to make connections, share issues and concerns, attend sessions to learn more about labor issues, and establish solidarity. Delegates represent their locals as they address…

Do you have a TAG 401k Plan? If you do, have you checked your first paycheck of the New Year? Take a look and make sure it includes your TAG 401k Plan deduction. There are issues that can occur at payroll to cause problems with the 401k when a new year begins. This can result…

The Los Angeles Times recently featured the unprecedented pace of TAG’s organizing efforts, noting that since December 2021, almost 1,000 animation industry professionals have been recognized to unionize under TAG, IATSE Local 839. More than half of those people are production workers, a category long excluded from joining the Union. The article examines the history…

It’s exciting to look back on TAG’s activities and accomplishments in 2023. We grew at an unprecedented rate on a national level–welcome New York, Texas, Puerto Rico, and Virginia! We gained national jurisdiction over animation organizing, and our members were more active than ever before, from spearheading social networking events to organizing strike support activities….

For TAG members with a TAG 401k Plan through Vanguard, the 2023 contribution year is at a close. Due to holiday hours at payroll locations and the TAG office holiday closure from Fri., Dec. 22, 2023 at 2 p.m. to Mon., Jan. 1, 2024, no more changes can be made to 401k payroll deduction settings…

The Motion Picture Industry Health Plan (MPI) has expanded its Motion Picture Preferred Provider (MP3) primary care network. This means TAG members (Participants) have more options when it comes to selecting an in-network primary care provider. This expansion of providers is for those Participants who receive their MPI medical coverage through Anthem Blue Cross PPO….

On November 1, Tina Hartyon of the Verdugo Jobs Center led a webinar on resources available to people who have been laid off and are applying for or receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Along with Hartyon, speakers included Jesse Maldonado of the Burbank Public Library’s Job Connect and Jose Sayula of EDD, Glendale Workforce. Tina…

We know that many TAG members are being impacted by work stoppages related to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. For those who are struggling and in need of support, we have compiled a list of important resources that can provide some relief during this uncertain time.  MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY PENSION AND HEALTH PLANS (MPI)  …

On August 23, TAG Member Programs Coordinator Jackie Huang led a panel on teaching as a side hustle with TAG members Mauricio Abril, Lindsey Pollard, and Angela Sung. Panelists shared how they got started, the challenges they’ve faced, the rewards of teaching, and more. Mauricio Abril has taught classes at CG Master Academy (CGMA), Brainstorm,…

To date 37% of TAG’s membership have taken the IATSE Member Census. Please help us reach our goal of 100% member participation. It takes just 10 minutes, and your anonymous answers to job and demographic questions will show our Union kin that TAG members take the future of our Union seriously.   How do I…

On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, TAG members Kimson Albert, Amber Hardin, and Paula Spence participated in a Q&A about career longevity, led by TAG Member Programs Coordinator Jackie Huang. Panelists discussed how to sustain an enduring—and satisfying—animation career, as well as shared experiences from their own multi-decade careers in the industry. Panelists: Kimson Albert Timing…

On July 30, 2023, wage minimums increased by 3 percent as per the 2021-2024 Local 839 Master Agreement. Here’s what you need to know: Does this apply to all studios? Some studios, such as Warner Animation Group, Sony Animation, and others have separate agreements with Local 839 and will see wage minimums rise on a…