Feature production workers at Netflix Animation Studios are moving to unionize with The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839).

Yesterday, a group of 60 workers made a request for union recognition to the studio—which has co-produced features such as Thelma the Unicorn (2024), Leo (pictured, 2023) and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022). The formal ask comes in the wake of almost two years of dedicated organizing, according to TAG. 

There’s been an increasing push for union recognition among animation production professionals in Southern California over the last few years, notes organizer Allison Smartt. And momentum has picked up in light of the animation industry being particularly vulnerable to generative AI, outsourcing and other factors. 

“Many union production workers are negotiating their second contracts, which is proof that this movement is here to stay,” Smartt said in a release. “From DreamWorks to Disney to Nickelodeon, they continue to fight for living wages, to demand respect for their crafts and to negotiate strong contracts.”

TAG called this an “historic week” of organizing, with 12 workers from NBCU series Ted and more than 100 artists from adult animation studio SpindleHorse (Hazbin Hotel) also requesting recognition—SpindleHorse received voluntary recognition on Tuesday.

“Production workers in animation deserve the same protections as artists—we deserve to fight for sustainable careers,” said Netflix production coordinator Ana Tessier in a statement. “I’m so thrilled that now we’ll have a seat at the negotiating table.” 

As of press time, Netflix had not responded to Kidscreen‘s request for comment.

Image credit: Netflix