(LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA) - In-house Visual Effects (VFX) Workers at Walt Disney Pictures have unanimously voted in favor of Unionizing with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in an election held by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the Union announced.

This significant milestone marks the second time a Unit of solely VFX Workers has successfully voted to Unionize with IATSE since VFX was commercialized nearly a half-century ago, with the other just last month.

When the votes were counted on Tuesday (October 2nd), there were 18 eligible voters, with 13 voting in favor of the Union and zero opposed.

Mack Robinson, a VFX Senior Coordinator remarked on the historic nature of the vote: “For so long we’ve wanted the same protections as everyone else, but there was no hope in sight.  Winning this election was a long fight, but I’m proud to say it’s been won by each and every VFX Worker wanting a brighter, sustainable future.”

The unanimous Unionization of Walt Disney Pictures’ VFX Workers, in addition to the similarly unanimous election of Marvel Studio’s VFX Workers last month, is part of an ongoing wave of organizing throughout the Entertainment Industry, with Workers across several previously unrepresented classifications rallying to unite under IATSE.

While positions like Production Designers/Art Directors, Camera Operators, Sound, Editors, Hair and Makeup Artists, Costumes / Wardrobe, Script Supervisors, Grips, Lighting, Props, and Paint, among others, have historically been represented by IATSE in motion picture and television, Workers in VFX classifications historically have not.

VFX job classifications have largely remained Non-Union since the field was pioneered during production of the first Star Wars films in the 1970s.

The Unionizing Workers are demanding fair compensation for all hours worked, adequate health care, retirement benefits, and more generally, the same rights and protections afforded to their Unionized Co-Workers who are already represented by IATSE.

IATSE International President Matthew Loeb said: “These workers’ collective action against the status quo represents a seismic shift in this critical moment in our industry.  This unanimous vote sends a clear message that the demands of VFX Workers for dignity, respect, and fairness must be heard.”

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