Momentum continues for recent unionization efforts made by the Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839), with two milestones achieved at DreamWorks Animation.

First up, production workers at the Glendale-based studio—who officially unionized last year with TAG and the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700)—have now ratified their first contract.

Improved wages (including one of the industry’s “most competitive” production assistant rates), healthcare cost reductions and guaranteed retirement contributions are all included. TAG says 96% of members voted in favor of this deal, with an overall 92% participation rate. Negotiations have been underway for roughly nine months. 

Meanwhile, 75 remote DreamWorks staffers who contribute to LA-based animation projects in roles such as animators, character effects artists, technical directors, lighters, modelers, supervisors submitted a request on Monday for voluntary recognition from the studio. They’ll be filing for a National Labor Relations Board election today.

“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,” said Anthony Holden, a story artist based in Oregon who has spent seven years with DreamWorks. “Those of us who work remotely do not enjoy the same healthcare, retirement planning or other benefits afforded to our co-workers in LA County who are covered under collective bargaining agreements.”

As of press time, DreamWorks had not responded to Kidscreen’s request for comment.

TAG had what it calls an “historic week” last week, with 60 production workers at Netflix Animation Studios requesting recognition from the studio; 12 workers from NBCU series Ted doing the same; and 100 artists from adult animation banner SpindleHorse (Hazbin Hotel) securing voluntary recognition.