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On September 18, 2025, the Animation Guild, also known as IATSE Local 839 (TAG), made a significant announcement: three distinct groups of animation workers are uniting to form a union with TAG. This movement highlights the growing momentum for labor organizing within the animation sector, spanning from streaming features to prime-time productions and independent studios.

After nearly two years of dedicated efforts, a group of 60 production workers at Netflix Animation Studios has officially submitted a request for union recognition. These production workers are advocating for the same protections as artists, emphasizing the need for sustainable careers. Ana Tessier, a Production Coordinator at Netflix, expressed her excitement, stating, “I’m thrilled that we’ll now have a seat at the negotiating table. The more studios unionize, the more we can create a stable future for the animation industry as a whole.”

In a parallel effort, a committed group of 12 production workers from the series Ted (produced by DreamWorks/NBC Universal) has also sought to join TAG and the Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700. Despite their small size, this determined unit has made significant strides toward achieving their unionization goals. Kelly Simmons, a Production Coordinator on Ted, shared, “We’ve been hard at work for the last two months, and it’s incredible to see our accomplishments and the camaraderie that has developed!”

Over the past five years, production workers at nearly every major animation studio in Southern California have been vocal about their essential roles in maintaining the animation pipeline. Many union production workers are now negotiating their second contracts, a testament to the longevity of this movement. From DreamWorks to Disney to Nickelodeon, they continue to advocate for living wages, respect for their crafts, and robust contracts. Now, it’s time for production workers at Netflix and Ted to join this community and access similar opportunities.

While most animation artists, writers, and technicians working on projects based in Los Angeles have traditionally been represented by TAG, some independent studios have not yet adopted union contracts. Recently, animation artists at SpindleHorse received voluntary recognition from the independent studio, founded by creator and TAG member Vivienne Medrano. Known for their work on the Prime Video series Hazbin Hotel in collaboration with Bento Box, SpindleHorse also produces Helluva Boss, which premiered its third season on September 10, 2025. The second season of Hazbin Hotel is set to premiere on October 29, 2025.

This unit comprises 106 artists across various crafts, including storyboard artists, background designers, illustrators, and 2D FX artists, all eager to negotiate their first contract. Melanie An, a Clean Up/Renderer, stated, “SpindleHorse is leading the charge in the indie animation industry by advocating for stability for our passionate and creative team!”

Amelia Kasten, a Storyboard Artist, added, “I’m excited to move forward with negotiating a collective bargaining agreement that will elevate Spindle as a studio and empower these incredible employees to take ownership of their careers and build a sustainable community!”

Most artists at SpindleHorse work remotely across the U.S. and beyond, often lacking the same wages and benefits as their counterparts at union-covered studios. As a national local, TAG supports animation workers regardless of their location, as long as they are willing to advocate for themselves and their colleagues. Ben Speight, a TAG Organizer, emphasized this commitment.

Founded in 1952, the Animation Guild represents over 5,000 artists, technicians, writers, and production workers in the animation industry, tirelessly advocating for improved wages and working conditions.

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