Oct 2, 2023

IATSE Joins DNEG Employees in Forming Canadian Studio Union

The International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE), an entertainment union, is working with employees of DNEG in Canada to help unionize the company's visual effects workers and those of sister companies Redefine and DNEG Animation.

To form a union at IATSE, workers must take several steps, and the union is currently asking DNEG employees to fill out an IATSE VFX Union Support Card. According to the organization, interest has been so high that IATSE has established two new locals: Local 402 in British Columbia and Local 401 in all other Canadian territories.

Why IATSE is working to organize DNEG workers - A website published by the organization claims that if DNEG employees can engage with management with a collective voice, their bargaining position will be much stronger. The page explains:

In a large company like DNEG, it is difficult to make your voice heard. It is easy to ignore individuals who complain about strike pay cuts, missed raises despite high inflation, long overtime hours, etc.

Why Now - According to the union, efforts to unionize VFX and animation workers across the industry have been underway for some time, but recent events, particularly in the VFX industry, have created a greater sense of urgency. dNEG's much-publicized pay cut and loan program has left employees particularly dissatisfied with the current state of the company. The website explains:

Sometimes these initiatives are the culmination of years and years of careful planning. And sometimes, there is a touchy moment when everyone is on the same page. These moments build solidarity and spark conversation. We have the opportunity today to make the most of one of these moments.

What it takes to unionize - Each province has its own criteria that a group of workers must meet to unionize. In British Columbia, 55% of eligible workers must request and sign a card. In Quebec, the figure is 50%. In Ontario, only 40% of workers must sign the card.

Which DNEG employees can join the union - eligible employees include:

According to the website, only employees with hiring or firing authority are not eligible.

What happens next - Once a sufficient number of cards are submitted at each location, the union is certified and the location is fully unionized. At that point, all employees, including those who did not submit cards, become part of the union. Once the union is certified, the workers and IATSE will meet with DNEG to negotiate a collective agreement. For more information on specific areas, see FAQs.