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Disney Visual Effects Worker Vote To Unionize
Mickey Mouse poses in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Disneyland plans to reopen on April 30, 2021.
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Joshua Sudock/Walt Disney World Resorts
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Getty Images
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Topline:
Visual effects workers at Walt Disney Pictures have voted to join Hollywood union IATSE, making them the second group of visual effect workers to unionize in recent months.
Why it matters: It's a small group, just 18 people. But their decision follows in the steps of a similar group to unionize at Marvel Studios in September.
Visual effects workers have typically not been unionized despite working in a heavily organized industry, according to IATSE.
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The new organizing comes as SAG-AFTRA union members are on strike and the writer's guild just secured a deal.
What the demands are: According to IATSE, the Disney's visual effects workers are demanding better compensation, health care, retirement benefits and the same rights granted by their unionized coworkers.
What's next: The union will commence the collective bargaining process with Walt Disney Pictures to work on a contract.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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