Animation Guild, AMPTP to Resume Bargaining in September; No Deal Yet

The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) ended this week of bargaining without reaching a new agreement. Negotiations are set to resume in mid-September.

The Animation Guild, representing around 5,000 artists, technicians, writers, and production workers in the animation industry, started talks with the producers’ representative body on August 12. The current contract is due to expire on Friday, but it is expected to be extended during this negotiation period.

Similar to other recent Hollywood labor negotiations, such as those with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA, a central issue for the Animation Guild is the protection against the potential job displacement due to advancements in Gen AI. Earlier this year, TAG joined forces with CAA and CVL Economics to conduct an impact study, which predicted that 29% of animation jobs could be disrupted over the next three years.

Other critical issues discussed during the negotiations include layoffs and outsourcing. According to internal surveys and anecdotal research, TAG estimates that one-third of its animation workforce has been laid off in the past year. In terms of outsourcing, TAG reports that animation studios in Los Angeles County continue to send work to studios in Asia and Europe. Some studios then attempt to hire L.A.-based workers at lower rates, without offering the benefits and protections guaranteed by the union.

Last weekend, the Animation Guild organized a “Stand With Animation” rally to show solidarity amid these ongoing negotiations.

In related news, the IATSE Basic Agreement was ratified last month. This agreement is applicable to workers across 13 Locals, including the International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600), the Motion Picture Editors Guild (Local 700), and the Art Directors Guild (Local 800).

As the next round of negotiations approaches, the animation industry remains attentive to see how these crucial issues will be addressed to safeguard jobs and ensure fair working conditions.

Source: Variety