Netflix Animation Studios feature production workers have officially voted to ratify their first Union contract with The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839), with an overwhelming 89% in favor of ratification.
The first contract with the guild establishes wage minimums, dismissal pay, and workplace protections for production workers, representing a major moment in animation. The organizing campaign started back in August 2023 and the unit gained Union recognition during a National Labor Relations Board election on Dec. 30, 2025.
“Every production group to negotiate has built upon the foundation of those that came before them, and the NAS production contract really showcases that,” TAG organizer Allison Smartt said in a statement. “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.”
In a statement, TAG assistant business representative Chaz Carroll added: “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.”
The news comes as, back in January, remote workers at DreamWorks Animation, feature production workers at Netflix Animation Studios and production workers on the show “Ted” voted to unionize with the Animation Guild, as well as the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700). The goal was to ensure fair pay and treatment for animation workers.
Recent Netflix Animation Studios productions include “In Your Dreams,” “The Twits” and “Ultraman: Rising.”
