Feature film production workers at Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) have overwhelmingly voted to ratify their inaugural union contract with The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 (TAG). The landmark agreement, approved by approximately 89% of the bargaining unit with an identical percentage voting in favor, signifies a substantial victory for animation industry professionals and a continuation of the growing momentum for unionization within the sector. This contract establishes crucial benchmarks for wage minimums, dismissal pay, and workplace protections for production workers, addressing long-standing concerns about job security and fair compensation.
The successful ratification marks the culmination of an organizing campaign that commenced in August 2023. Following a period of dedicated outreach and advocacy, the production worker unit secured union recognition through a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election on December 30, 2025. The subsequent negotiation process, which spanned two consecutive weeks in May 2026, saw the elected Negotiating Committee engage in intensive discussions with Netflix management, ultimately yielding an agreement that sets a new standard for production roles within the animation pipeline.
A Milestone in Animation Labor Organizing
The agreement between NAS and TAG is being hailed as a pivotal moment for animation production workers, building upon a wave of successful organizing efforts across the industry in recent years. TAG Organizer Allison Smartt emphasized the cumulative nature of these victories, stating, "Every production group to negotiate has built upon the foundation of those that came before them, and the NAS production contract really showcases that."
Smartt further highlighted a key achievement of the contract: "NAS workers have won the highest Production Assistant rates in any TAG production agreement. In just five years since we organized the first group of animation production workers, this rate sets the highest bar yet, and it wouldn’t have happened without workers fighting together in solidarity." This increase in Production Assistant (PA) wages is particularly significant, as PAs often represent entry-level positions and their compensation can set a precedent for other roles within the production hierarchy. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that animation-related occupations, including production coordinators and supervisors, can experience significant wage disparities based on experience and employer. Securing higher entry-level wages at a major studio like Netflix could have a ripple effect, influencing compensation expectations and negotiations at other animation production houses.
Collaborative Negotiations Yielding Tangible Results
Assistant Business Representative Chaz Carroll of TAG underscored the constructive nature of the negotiation process. "The NAS agreement showcases what can be done when two sides come to the negotiation table with the sole purpose of getting a deal done," Carroll remarked. "Most importantly, the Negotiations Committee walked away from the bargaining table feeling heard by Netflix. Did they get everything they wanted? No, but they got the best deal possible and didn’t leave the table until Netflix addressed the unit’s priorities."
This sentiment was echoed by production workers directly involved in the campaign, who described the ratification as both a professional and personal triumph after years of dedicated organizing. Erin Sullivan, a Production Coordinator, articulated the transformative power of collective action: "Taking this step has both strengthened our identity as a unit and allowed us to discover our collective power to create change. Ultimately, we were able to reach an agreement as quickly as we did because the company took our concerns seriously and came to the table ready to bargain."
Ana Tessier, another Production Coordinator, detailed the extensive groundwork laid for this achievement. "We started this process over two years ago, organizing our peers until we knew we had enough support to form our Union," Tessier explained. "I’m so happy to see our hard work pay off. Becoming a part of the Union is a huge step to ensuring production workers in animation can build long-term careers in this rapidly changing industry." The animation industry, while experiencing rapid growth in demand for content, has also been characterized by project-based employment and the potential for unpredictable shifts in workforce needs, making the establishment of long-term career pathways a critical objective for unionized workers.
Alexandra Mitchell, a Production Supervisor and member of the Negotiations Committee, expressed pride in the specific gains made for entry-level positions. "It was an honor to be on this committee to help fight for our colleagues," Mitchell said. "It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help negotiate a first contract. In addition to the general Union benefits, I’m proud of what we’ve done for the PAs wage-wise. It was important to fight for them so we continue to build an industry that fights for each other."
Addressing Industry Shifts and Fostering Stability
The impetus for unionization at NAS, as described by Thalia Nalapraya, a Production Coordinator, stemmed from the evolving landscape of the animation industry. "Since I started at NAS in 2019, production workers had undergone constant change, and the shifts in the industry made it clear that we needed to unionize," Nalapraya stated. "It was a heartbreaking experience to see my colleagues laid off from projects without any safety net. Now that we have ratified our contract, I feel so proud and grateful—to the organizing committee who guided us through the Union vote, the Negotiations Committee for taking the seat at the table and setting the foundations for future negotiations, and the production workers at DreamWorks, Disney, Nickelodeon, and others who unionized before us. We wouldn’t have gotten here without learning from their experiences."
Nalapraya’s comments highlight the critical issue of job security and the absence of a robust safety net for production workers in the past. The ratification of the NAS contract aims to provide greater stability through established dismissal pay provisions, which typically offer compensation for employees terminated without cause. This addresses a key vulnerability for freelance and contract workers in the entertainment industry.
A Broader Industry Context and Future Implications
The ratification of the NAS contract is not an isolated event but rather part of a larger trend of increased union activity within the animation sector. This victory follows closely on the heels of other significant organizing successes. Late last year, remote artists and production workers on the DreamWorks show Ted achieved successful NLRB election victories to unionize with The Animation Guild and The Editors Guild, respectively. These groups are currently in the process of negotiating their own collective bargaining agreements, further solidifying the growing influence of organized labor in animation production.
The implications of the NAS contract extend beyond the studio walls. By establishing a strong union presence at one of the industry’s leading streaming platforms, TAG is poised to leverage this success in future organizing drives and contract negotiations across other animation studios. The increased wage minimums, particularly for entry-level positions, could set a new industry standard, prompting other companies to re-evaluate their compensation structures to remain competitive in attracting and retaining talent.
Furthermore, the emphasis on workplace protections and the establishment of a formal grievance process can lead to a more equitable and sustainable work environment for animation production professionals. This can contribute to reducing burnout and fostering a culture where workers feel valued and respected, ultimately benefiting the quality and longevity of animated content produced. The success at Netflix Animation Studios serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of collective bargaining and the enduring pursuit of fair labor practices within the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of animation.
Chronology of the Netflix Animation Studios Unionization Effort
- August 2023: Organizing campaign for Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) production workers commences.
- December 30, 2025: NAS production workers gain union recognition through a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election.
- May 2026 (Two Consecutive Weeks): The Negotiating Committee for NAS production workers engages in contract negotiations with Netflix management.
- May 2026 (Following Negotiations): Production workers at NAS overwhelmingly vote to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement with The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 (TAG).
This timeline illustrates the dedicated effort and strategic planning involved in achieving union recognition and securing a comprehensive contract within a relatively short period, underscoring the collective will and commitment of the production workforce. The progress made by NAS workers is a direct result of their sustained advocacy and their ability to unite under a common banner to negotiate for improved working conditions and compensation.
