LOS ANGELES, CA — Visual Effects (VFX) workers 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, the union announced Tuesday. 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, with twelve 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 twelve 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.
Sydney Berman, Apple Studios VFX Coordinator said, “I am so proud to sit here amongst my peers and celebrate this win. Yet another unanimous vote symbolizes a step forward towards a sustainable and bright future for VFX Workers across our industry. We have shown that we will continue the fight to gain the basic fundamental needs we require that so many we work alongside in this industry already have access to. While I have no doubts we will be able to achieve what we are fighting towards for VFX as a whole, this small step for Apple is huge! I am happy to be working for a studio that will be brought to the bargaining table to fight for our collective better futures. However disappointed I may be in Apple’s decision to have VFX Production Manager/Supervisor’s vote via challenge, I know that with our collective strength and need for change we will prevail for all!”
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 D. Loeb stated, “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. The VFX union movement has been decades in the making, and now is the time. We will continue to relentlessly support VFX workers in negotiating a fair first contract that addresses their collective needs and concerns, and we urge the entire entertainment labor community to stand with them as well.”
The unionization vote of Apple VFX workers also comes days after Apple and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) reached a tentative agreement on July 27 on behalf of retail workers at Apple’s Towson, Maryland store. This historic agreement marks the first single-employer labor deal for any US workers of the tech giant.
With the unanimous VFX vote to unionize, the next step for Apple’s VFX unit includes negotiating a first contract with Apple in good faith. Apple Studios VFX Coordinator Todd Smoyer reflected on what this moment means for the future of the VFX industry,”The unionization of VFX workers is a huge deal to me because it finally gives these artists the recognition and respect they deserve. It legitimizes us among our other union sisters and brothers and promises better working conditions, benefits, and job security in an industry known for its grueling hours and instability. Plus, being part of a union means VFX pros can have a collective voice to push for their rights and create a supportive community. Overall, it’s a big step toward making the VFX world fairer and more sustainable.”
For more information about the ongoing efforts to unionize VFX workers, please visit vfxunion.org.