After nearly 1 year of negotiations, the studio’s animation production workers ratified a new contract prioritizing their well-being and professional development.
Following almost a year of negotiations, The Animation Guild (TAG) announced the ratification of a new contract for animation workers at Nickelodeon Studios that combines agreements for 2D, 3D, and production workers into one comprehensive contract. 89% of participating workers voted to accept the new deal.
Negotiations Committee member Candice Stephenson said, “This contract is the direct result of not only a strong public showing of solidarity among our members but also demonstrates the power of what multiple crafts working together can do.”
“The work of the Nickelodeon Animation Studios Negotiation Committee mirrored the cohesive solidarity of the Negotiations Committee that bargained the 2021-2024 Master Agreement,” said TAG business representative Steve Kaplan. “We were able to get the company to voluntarily recognize animation production before negotiations and include production workers for the first time. The committee stood strong on all of our priority issues and helped deliver a groundbreaking agreement.”
The newly ratified contract introduces provisions prioritizing the well-being and professional development of animation workers at the studio, including:
- Enhanced Bereavement Leave: Employees will have access to three days of bereavement leave.
- Minimum Staffing Requirements: The contract establishes minimum staffing requirements for writers, requiring at least two staff writers in addition to supervisory roles.
- Increased Compensation for Storyboard Artists: Storyboard artists who undertake writing responsibilities will receive a 15% increase in their minimum compensation.
- Wage Increases for Production Workers: Increased wages for production workers.
- Compensation for CG Supervisors: CG supervisors will receive a 15% increase in their minimum compensation.
“We are securing a raise for our lowest-paid members,” added production coordinator and Negotiations Committee member Claire Norris. “Throughout the last year of negotiations, the passion and hard work of everyone at the studio has helped us set important precedents for multiple animation crafts.”
“Nickelodeon Animation Studios is pleased to have reached this agreement with The Animation Guild,” said Brian Keane, EVP Production & Operations, Nickelodeon. “This agreement reflects Nickelodeon’s commitment to being a best-in-class workplace and will support the continued growth of our business. We commend the union for their hard work in securing this contract and look forward to our continued collaboration.”
Source: The Animation Guild
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
