“Organizing provides people with the opportunity to become aware of their own capabilities and potential.” – Fred Ross, Sr. What does the word “organizing” mean and why is it important? On April 26, 2023, TAG Organizer Allison Smartt explained the history of our parent Union and discussed how organizing animation industry workers benefits current TAG members and strengthens the future…

At noon on April 3, The Animation Guild leadership and TAG’s Walt Disney Animation Studios artists joined Walt Disney Animation Studios production workers in a Solidarity Walk at Disney Studios. A supermajority of the production workers has expressed their interest in being represented by the Union, and the walk was in response to studio leadership’s…

Every year The Animation Guild sends Delegates to the IATSE District 2 Convention. This year’s convention will take place in Hawaii from June 9 – 11. For a glimpse of TAG at last year’s convention, check out this terrific comic created by TAG member Kris Mukai.    If you are interested in being a delegate,…

Field Representative Leslie Simmons shares some advice about questions members should ask when they’re getting hired at a studio signed to a TAG agreement.   First and foremost, there is certain information the studio is obligated to share with you upon hiring. In the most recent TAG Master Agreement, the Union and studios came to an agreement to…

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…