Hundreds of workers at WildBrain in Vancouver, one of Canada’s largest animation studios (formerly known as DHX Media), have signed union support cards, signaling their intention to join the small but growing number of toon houses to the north seeking better contracts through collective bargaining. The news was shared via Twitter by the Canadian Animation Guild, IATSE Local 938.
The studio is known for animating internationally known titles like Fireman Sam, Johnny Test, Polly Pocket, Carmen Sandiego, Sonic Prime and Peanuts toons including The Snoopy Show and Snoopy in Space. According to IATSE spokesperson Will Gladman, WildBrain employees wish the studio to address common industry concerns such as scheduling, base pay, job insecurity and the increasing implementation of AI in entertainment, as well as meeting the rising cost of living in “Hollywood North.”
“People are working really short-term contracts, sometimes weeks at a time. You go to work on Friday. You’re not sure if you’ll have a job on Monday. I think workers are just tired of holding the bag when things slow down every time,” Gladman told CBC. “People make good money in the unionized film and TV industry here generally, and it means that they can afford to take breaks from work when they have to.”
📣WILDBRAIN WORKERS ARE FORMING A UNION!📣
One of the biggest Vancouver studios is on its way to joining CAG, with hundreds of workers having already signed union support cards! What happens next?
Bring all your questions to the WildBrain Digital Town Hall, Wednesday at 7pm! pic.twitter.com/on5nTi5csp
— Canadian Animation Guild, IATSE Local 938 (@CAG938) September 1, 2023
WildBrain Chief Content Officer Stephanie Betts asserted in a statement that the studio is committed to creating a “respectful, inclusive and fair” workplace. She added, “We actively work to instill these values in everything we do, including ensuring that we are competitive within our industry. Everyone at WildBrain has a voice, and we look forward to keeping open lines of communication directly with our employees at all levels.”
In British Columbia, the Labour Board can certify a union if at least 55% of workers sign a support card. The Canadian Animation Guild covers some studio employees in the province, including Titmouse in Vancouver, which made history in 2020 as the first Canadian toon house to successfully unionize.
[Source: CBC]
