(LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA) - Visual Effects (VFX) Workers employed at Apple Studios have voted unanimously to Unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Election.

This result marks another key win in the movement to ensure VFX Professionals have access to the same rights and protections as Unionized Workers in the Film and Television Industry.

All counted votes were favor of Unionizing, IATSE said, with 12 casting their ballots in support.

These Workers, who hold critical positions across six Apple Studios LLC shows, have expressed a strong desire for improved wages, benefits and working conditions.

Apple Studios VFX Production Manager Nick DeGrazia said: “I couldn’t be more thankful to our Organizers for bringing yet another victory to VFX Workers.  I hope that we can continue this wave across the entire industry so we can share the benefits, rights and respect we deserve.”

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.

The organizing Apple VFX Unit includes VFX Associate Production Managers, Senior VFX Coordinators, VFX Coordinators, VFX Assistant Coordinators, VFX Production Assistants, VFX Witness Camera Operators, VFX Production Artists (In-House Compositors, Virtual Art Directors), VFX On-Set Supervisors, VFX On-Set Production Supervisors/Managers, Lead VFX, Data Wranglers, VFX Data Wranglers and VFX Jr. Data Wranglers.

Unfortunately, Apple challenged the inclusion of VFX Production Supervisors/Managers, who were included in the proposed Bargaining Unit IATSE initially filed the election for in June.

The NLRB allowed these Workers to vote “under challenge,” but these ballots were not counted nor included in the 12 yes votes.

IATSE continues to maintain these Workers should be included in the now-certified Unit and all Employees in the VFX Industry deserve the opportunity to make their voices heard and Democratically decide whether to Unionize, IATSE said.

The momentum of the VFX union campaign is part of a broader movement that has seen significant victories over the past year, including Unionization efforts by ‘Avatar’ VFX Artists, Marvel/Disney VFX staffers, and DNEG Workers in British Columbia and Montreal.

This trend highlights increasing demand for Union Representation within the VFX Industry.

IATSE International President Matthew Loeb said: “The decision of AppleTV’s VFX Workers to Unionize is a testament to their courage and determination.  This vote is a clear message that VFX Workers are ready to stand together for their rights and protections.”

To Read This Organizing Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: AppleTV VFX Workers Unanimously Vote to Unionize with IATSE in Official Labor Board Election - IATSE