How to Start a Union

Do you want to be a part of a union?

Whether you’re exploring your options or you’re ready to organize your crew, we are here to help! Since 2020, animation workers have organized at over 16 studios and shows of all sizes, across the U.S. Script Coordinators, Compositing artists, Modelers, Production Supervisors, and many more have come together to discuss how their workplaces can better serve their needs and put plans into action for achieving those goals.

With The Animation Guild’s support, these new union members have achieved increased wages, improved healthcare and retirement benefits, and implemented workplace protections. With our combined power, The Animation Guild is using this momentum to raise the standard for all animation workers in the U.S.

You might ask, what can I do? I am just one person. Well, that’s how it starts. It just takes one person to begin the conversation. 

So let’s start talking about it!

What is a union?

A union is a group of workers who come together in a workplace to establish a collective voice around issues that matter to them.

Individually, workers don’t have much leverage over their employer to improve working conditions or ask for increased benefits. But just like small fish can school together to fend off big predators, individuals standing together can wield enough power to bring even a huge corporation to the bargaining table.

The Animation Guild has a proud history of helping to organize and represent those working in the animation industry to get the best deal possible and bring fairness, respect, dignity, and stability to the industry. We are committed to this effort and TAG Organizers Ben Speight and Allison Smartt are on hand to answer your questions. Email them at organize@tag839.org. (Learn more about Ben here and Allison here.)

Democracy in the workplace works!

Ready to make a change at your studio?

We want to learn more about you and where you work. Take five minutes to fill out this form. We promise it’s confidential and we will not share any information without your permission.

Fill out the below contact sheet and a TAG organizer will follow up with you to schedule a one-on-one organizing conversation. All information provided in this form is provided solely to The Animation Guild Local 839 (IATSE) and will not be shared with any employer at any time. If you have any questions, please email organize@tag839.org.

 

Organizing Intake Form

Name(Required)
Are you now or have you ever been a member of The Animation Guild Local 839?(Required)
When are you available for an introductory phone call?(Required)
What are the best times to contact you?(Required)