Historic Moment as Marvel’s VFX Artists Unionize with Unanimous Vote

In a monumental turn of events, Marvel’s VFX artists have etched their names in history by becoming the first VFX group to unionize, pushing for equitable compensation, healthcare coverage, and a safer work environment. The unanimous decision to unionize serves as a resounding call for standardized protections and improved conditions for VFX professionals throughout the entertainment industry.

Variety reports that Marvel’s VFX workers have achieved this historic milestone following a unanimous vote to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), as facilitated by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This groundbreaking move comes on the heels of reports highlighting the immense workloads and tight deadlines faced by VFX artists working on Marvel’s extensive roster of projects.

The journey to unionization began with a petition submitted by a group of over 50 employees on August 7. Subsequently, votes were collected from August 21 to September 11, with the final count on September 12 revealing an overwhelming consensus in favor of unionization. Given the sheer scale of Marvel’s VFX-heavy blockbusters and the rapid pace of releases from the studio, this outcome isn’t entirely surprising.

Mark Patch, the VFX organizer for IATSE, issued a statement in the wake of this landmark decision: “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. 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!'”

This move by Marvel’s VFX workers comes against the backdrop of a year marked by growing solidarity among creatives and artists in the entertainment industry. While the Marvel VFX team has achieved a significant victory, those in other creative sectors continue to fight for improved working conditions. Notably, a simultaneous strike by both the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is occurring for the first time in six decades. However, studios are opting to delay productions and release dates rather than meeting the legitimate demands of writers and actors, leaving Hollywood in a state of uncertainty.

So, why is this vote by Marvel’s VFX artists so crucial? It’s because numerous artists working on Marvel blockbusters, spanning from “Guardians of the Galaxy” to the animated super-sequel “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” have openly expressed their dissatisfaction with working conditions. Unionizing ensures that the rights and well-being of these professionals will be safeguarded moving forward, setting a precedent for the industry and, hopefully, fostering a healthier and more equitable environment for all involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unionization

More about Unionization

• Variety: Marvel VFX Workers Unionize
• International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
• National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
• Writers Guild of America (WGA)
• Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)