DreamWorks Animation Union Approves Inclusion of Remote Workers in Collective Bargaining Unit

DreamWorks Animation Workers Secure Landmark Contract as Remote Staff Seek Unionization

Glendale, California – September 25, 2025 – A new era of labor relations has dawned at DreamWorks Animation. Production workers recently ratified their inaugural contract with the Animation Guild, securing benefits that include wage increases, reduced healthcare costs, and retirement contributions. Simultaneously, a growing contingent of remote DreamWorks animators are now pushing for their own union representation.

Historic Contract Ratification

The newly ratified contract, the result of nine months of negotiations, was approved by an impressive 96% of members.This agreement establishes minimum wage rates with annual adjustments, eliminates annual healthcare premiums for employees, and guarantees contributions to retirement plans. Additionally, salaried and on-call workers will receive premium pay for sixth and seventh-day work assignments. This outcome represents a notable victory for the Animation Guild and its members at DreamWorks.

remote Workers Demand Equal Treatment

A group of 75 DreamWorks Animation employees based outside of Los Angeles have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to unionize. These individuals, primarily Story Artists and other production roles, have contributed to both film and television projects alongside their colleagues at the Glendale headquarters. They cite disparities in benefits and treatment as the driving force behind their efforts.

Anthony Holden, a Story Artist from Oregon with seven years of experience at DreamWorks, articulated the concerns of the remote workforce. “While it is a tremendous privilege to be able to work remotely in the industry I love and alongside people I love, it is unfair to be treated as a second-class employee,” Holden stated. “Those of us who work remotely do not enjoy the same health care, retirement planning, or other benefits afforded to our co-workers in L.A. County who are covered under collective bargaining agreements.”

The Rise of Remote Animation & Union Expansion

The increasing prevalence of remote work in the animation sector is driven by the high cost of living in traditional industry hubs like Los Angeles.According to a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, remote work in creative industries has grown by 35% in the last two years. However, current Animation Guild contracts primarily cover employees within Los Angeles County. The union’s move to organize remote workers reflects a strategic effort to extend protections to all DreamWorks Animation employees, regardless of location.

Did You know?: The Animation Guild, officially known as Local 839 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), represents over 3,000 animation professionals in the United States and Canada.

Benefit Category	On-Site Workers (LA County)	Remote Workers (Currently)
Healthcare Costs	Annual Premiums May Apply	Annual Premiums May Apply
retirement Contributions	Guaranteed	Not guaranteed
Sixth/Seventh Day pay	Guaranteed	Not Guaranteed
Minimum Wage	Established with Annual Increases	Varies,Not Standardized

Pro Tip: Understanding your rights as an employee,especially in a rapidly evolving work landscape,is crucial. Resources like the NLRB and the Department of Labor offer valuable information.

The Future of Animation Labor

The events unfolding at DreamWorks Animation reflect a broader trend within the entertainment industry.As remote work becomes increasingly common, labor organizations are grappling with how to best represent a geographically dispersed workforce. The outcome of the remote workers’ unionization efforts could set a precedent for other studios and perhaps reshape the future of labor relations in the animation industry. This is particularly relevant in a post-pandemic world where companies are reassessing their remote work policies and employee benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Animation Guild fighting for? The Animation Guild is advocating for equitable treatment and benefits for all DreamWorks Animation employees, including those working remotely.
• How dose remote work impact animation labor? Remote work introduces challenges related to benefit parity and consistent application of collective bargaining agreements across different locations.
• What is the NLRB’s role in this situation? The National Labor Relations Board is the federal agency responsible for overseeing union elections and addressing unfair labor practices.
• What benefits are included in the new contract for DreamWorks production workers? the contract includes established minimum wage rates with annual increases, reduced healthcare costs, guaranteed retirement contributions, and enhanced overtime pay.
• why are remote workers seeking unionization now? Remote workers feel they are being treated as second-class employees and lack the same level of benefits and protections as their Los Angeles-based colleagues.

What are your thoughts on the rise of remote work in the animation industry? Do you believe all employees, regardless of location, shoudl receive the same benefits?

What specific challenges related to technology, interaction, or legal compliance did TAG need to address when including remote workers in the bargaining unit?

DreamWorks Animation Union Expands Representation to Include Remote Workers

Landmark Decision for Animation Labor & the Future of Work

The Animation Guild, Local 839 (TAG), representing artists and technicians at major animation studios including DreamWorks Animation, has approved a significant expansion of its collective bargaining unit.This pivotal decision, finalized on September 24, 2025, now explicitly includes remote workers in its coverage. This marks a major win for animation professionals embracing flexible work arrangements and sets a precedent for other entertainment unions navigating the evolving landscape of remote work. The move directly addresses the growing trend of remote animation jobs and the need for equitable representation nonetheless of work location.

What This Means for DreamWorks Animation Employees

For DreamWorks Animation artists, animators, and technicians currently working remotely – a number that has increased significantly since 2020 – this means full inclusion under the protections and benefits negotiated by the union. Previously, the status of remote workers within the bargaining unit had been a point of discussion and potential vulnerability.

here’s a breakdown of what this inclusion entails:

* Collective Bargaining Rights: Remote workers now have a direct voice in negotiations regarding wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security.

* Grievance Procedures: Access to the union’s established grievance procedures to address workplace disputes.

* Health & Safety Standards: The union will advocate for health and safety standards applicable to remote work environments, addressing concerns like ergonomic setups and mental wellbeing.

* Equal Representation: Ensures remote employees receive the same level of representation and support as their colleagues working on-site.

* Animation Industry Standards: Reinforces TAG’s commitment to establishing and maintaining high standards for all animation professionals, regardless of location.

The Rise of Remote Work in Animation & the Union’s Response

The animation industry, traditionally reliant on studio-based collaboration, has seen a dramatic shift towards remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Manny studios, including DreamWorks, discovered that high-quality work could be produced effectively with a distributed workforce. This presented both opportunities and challenges.

* Increased Adaptability: Remote work offers artists greater flexibility and work-life balance.

* Wider Talent Pool: Studios can access a broader range of talent, unconstrained by geographical limitations.

* Potential for Isolation: Remote workers can experience isolation and difficulties maintaining team cohesion.

* Equity concerns: Ensuring equitable treatment and access to resources for remote employees became a critical concern.

TAG recognized the need to adapt to this changing reality. The union initiated discussions with DreamWorks Animation and its members to determine the best way to integrate remote workers into the collective bargaining agreement. This involved careful consideration of legal precedents, industry best practices, and the specific needs of remote animation professionals. The decision reflects a proactive approach to labor relations in the animation industry.

Key Considerations in the Bargaining Process

The inclusion of remote workers wasn’t simply a matter of adding names to a list. Several key issues needed to be addressed during the bargaining process:

1. Defining “Remote Work”: Establishing a clear definition of what constitutes remote work for the purposes of the agreement. This includes specifying the percentage of time worked remotely and the geographical limitations (if any).
2. Technology & Equipment: Ensuring remote workers have access to the necessary technology and equipment to perform their jobs effectively, and addressing issues of technical support and security.
3. Communication & Collaboration: Developing strategies to maintain effective communication and collaboration between remote and on-site teams. this may involve utilizing video conferencing,project management software,and other digital tools.
4. Monitoring & Evaluation: Establishing fair and transparent methods for monitoring and evaluating the performance of remote workers.
5. Legal Compliance: Ensuring compliance with all applicable labor laws and regulations regarding remote work, including those related to wage and hour laws, worker’s compensation, and data privacy.

Impact on Other Entertainment unions & the Future of Animation Labor

This decision by TAG is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the entertainment industry. Other unions representing artists, writers, and technicians are likely to consider similar expansions of their collective bargaining units to include remote workers.

* Writers Guild of America (WGA): The WGA has already addressed remote work in its recent negotiations, recognizing the importance of flexibility for writers.

* Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA): SAG-AFTRA is actively exploring the implications of remote work for actors and performers.