Marvel Studios’ VFX Workers Unanimously Vote to Unionize

Marvel Studios’ Visual Effects (VFX) Workers have unanimously voted to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) as of Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

The decision comes from an election held by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This vote marks the first time a unit of VFX Workers has unionized with IATSE since VFX was pioneered nearly a half-century ago.

The workers filed for this election on August 7, the votes were cast by mail between August 21 and September 11, and the count was held on Tuesday, September 12. All votes were in favor of unionizing with IATSE, with zero against.

“Today, VFX workers at Marvel Studios spoke with a unanimous, collective voice, demanding fair pay for the hours they work, healthcare, a safe and sustainable working environment, and respect for the work they do,” Mark Patch, VFX Organizer for IATSE said.

“There could be no stronger statement highlighting the overwhelming need for us to continue our work and bring union protections and standards to all VFX workers across the industry. And there could be no stronger example of the courage and solidarity of these workers than each and every one of them declaring “union YES!”

The workers’ unanimous vote and high voter turnout demonstrate their determination to secure the same rights and protections as their unionized peers in the film and TV industry. 

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has been on strike since May 2, 2023, after negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers fell apart without a fair deal. SAG-AFTRA joined the strike against the AMPTP on July 14, 2023, after their negotiations also broke down.

While this vote only includes Marvel’s in-house VFX team, Walt Disney Pictures VFX has already begun voting in their NLRB election. Results are expected on October 2. 

The union anticipates this vote being the first of many victories within VFX. 

“This is historic and I’m glad to be part of it. Not only will this radically change the game by increasing the quality of storytelling through our work, it’s also a huge step forward for taking care of the unsung individuals who helped to build the industry,” Thomas Barnard, VFX Coordinator at Marvel, said.

“I grew up dreaming of working on Marvel films, so when I started my first job at Marvel, I felt like I couldn’t complain about the unpaid overtime, the lack of meal breaks, and the incredible pressure put on VFX teams to meet deadlines because I was just supposed to be grateful to be here at all,” Sarah Kazuko Chow, VFX Coordinator at Marvel, said.

“But the reality is that every worker deserves rights, and joining IATSE means we don’t have to choose between the job we love and having identities outside of our work,” Kazuko Chow added.

“Today’s count demonstrates the unprecedented demand for unionization across new sectors of the entertainment industry is very real. To these VFX workers, I congratulate you on your historic victory,” IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb explained.

“Your bravery, determination, and unity are a beacon for workers not just in VFX, not just in entertainment, but workers in every industry across this country and beyond. You will enter negotiations with Marvel and Disney with the full backing and support of our 170,000 strong alliance. Your fight is our fight,” Loeb added.

The union’s next step is to negotiate collective bargaining with the employer to draft a contract addressing the needs of the represented workers, including wages, hours, and working conditions. The union and employer “are obligated to negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement on these terms.”

As of the initial statement, no negotiation dates have been scheduled.

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Read the full announcement about Marvel Studios’ VFX unanimously voting to unionize here.

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