Remote DreamWorks Animators Move to Unionize With Animation Guild

Dozens of remote DreamWorks Animation employees are organizing a union. They have asked the studio for voluntary recognition. The move signals a major shift in labor organizing for the modern, distributed workforce.

The workers are seeking to join The Animation Guild (TAG), a union representing animation professionals. This effort follows a successful unionization drive by the studio’s in-house production staff earlier this year.

Seeking Parity with In-Studio Colleagues

The push involves approximately 75 remote workers across the United States. Their roles are diverse, including animators, technical directors, and production coordinators. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the group submitted its request to management on Wednesday.

A key driver is the disparity in benefits. Remote workers report having different, often inferior, health care and retirement plans compared to their colleagues who work on-site at the Glendale, California, studio. This has created a two-tier system for employees.

A Growing Trend in the Animation Industry

This unionization effort reflects broader changes in the entertainment industry. The widespread adoption of remote work during the pandemic has created a new class of digital workers. These employees are now demanding the same protections and benefits as traditional staff.

The news comes on the heels of a ratified contract for DreamWorks’ recently unionized production workers. That agreement, supported by 96 percent of voters, set strong precedents for wages and benefits. Remote workers hope to achieve similar gains.

The outcome of this union bid could set a new standard for remote workers across the entire entertainment sector. A successful organization at DreamWorks would empower distributed teams industry-wide to demand equal treatment.

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What are the main reasons for this union drive?

Remote workers cite unequal health care and retirement benefits as the primary motivators. They feel like second-class employees compared to their in-studio colleagues who receive better compensation packages.

How many employees are involved in the union effort?

The Animation Guild is seeking to represent approximately 75 remote workers. These employees live in various states and work on Los Angeles-based DreamWorks projects.

Has DreamWorks Animation responded to the union request?

As of the initial announcement, the studio had not yet issued a public response. The union planned to file for an election with the National Labor Relations Board to formalize the process.

Did other DreamWorks employees recently unionize?

Yes. Production workers at the studio voted to join The Animation Guild and The Editors Guild in spring 2024. They ratified their first union contract with overwhelming support just before this new drive was announced.

What happens if the union is successfully recognized?

The workers would begin collective bargaining with DreamWorks management. Their goal is to negotiate a contract that guarantees wage minimums, better healthcare, and retirement benefits equal to those of in-studio staff.