The topic of CG Unionization is heating up, let me say more on the topic since I feel like my views have changed recently.
A Union is as simple as we agree to group together on these issues. Could be enforcement of labor laws, and lobbying for equal laws across states, fighting subsidies inequalities where they can.
Union is not an agent who will get you more money, agents are agents. Unions are not going to keep students/jr level artist from being abused and over worked b/c they do it to themselves. They can’t effect base salaries b/c that has to be able to naturally sway on a number of factors.
Unions could organize health care, but then companies won’t be afraid of that b/c all their competitors pay equally so it’s easier to add to budgets, and not a line item to be removed.
Set up and manage 401k’s to make it easier for artist to keep theirs, this doesn’t mean the company matches contributions. This could even be cheaper for a company if the benefits are already there.
Union will be what the market wants and what will fit naturally.
The negative is the artist will start paying from their own pocket some full time staff people to use their money on union salaries and lobbying. Organizing health care ++ doesn’t come for free. I think another large part is many union members don’t want to be involved and want it to work for them w/o voting or taking part. Union maybe sound scary but it doesn’t have to be. You have a voice.
So, is this what you want? yes or no?
3 comments:
Hello David,
Thanks for weighing in on the organization effort of visual effects. In the months I've had the position with TAG, I've heard some pretty interesting stories from the artists I've spoken to. I've read your post and have a few comments to clear up some points that were left a bit fuzzy:
*You state that unions can not effect base salaries. That is not true. We set wage minimums which can be considered base salaries in the contract. We also have language that stipulates any member could and should negotiate a better contract with the employer than what is provided by us.
*Membership in the union and working in studios that have contracts with the union brings eligibility into the health plans. These health plans are provided to the membership with no charges or costs taken from their paychecks. They are fully funded by employer contributions and residuals paid to the union by the producers.
*The Animation Guild currently offers a 401(k) that is no-match and optional to the member.
*You emphasize a very important point .. the union *IS* the artists. Those who work for the organization only do so in support of the membership. Any issues that arise or should be brought to the union need to do so by the membership. The way to do that is to come to meetings and voice your opinions or concerns.
*The fees and dues collected from the membership do go to the operation costs of the organization. This includes the utilities and salaries among other costs that are incurred. Those fees do not go to funding the Health and Pension plans.
For a complete breakdown of how TAG spends its money,, feel free to read last years LM-2 statement. These statements are filed every year and public information.
Steve Kaplan
Labor Organizer
The Animation Guild
Local 839, IATSE
thanks for the clarification!
I agree and understood a lot of that but in re-reading I wasn't clear so, thanks.
I know it's old news by now, but I haven't heard anyone talk about it over in my neck of the woods, and just thought I'd link to this since it's somewhat relevant.
Stuff like this is really disappointing.
: http://vfxsoldier.wordpress.com/2010/12/21/collusion/
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