Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at Swaybox Studios in New Orleans won their National Labor Relations Board election to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 478, one of the largest film and television organizing victories in the union’s recent history.
The new bargaining unit will cover 136 animators, digital puppetry artists, facilities staff and other workers—membership is expected to grow as Swaybox progresses on current and future projects.
“Too many workers in this segment of the entertainment industry believe they have to accept low pay or poor conditions because they’re told that’s how the job works,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb. “The workers at Swaybox proved otherwise. If you’re working non-union and things aren’t right, if pay is low, take the first step and call the union. We’ll have your back.”
“Today, by standing together across crafts and departments, [Swaybox workers have] shown that productions coming to Louisiana to build world-class films can’t expect to succeed by lowering standards or ignoring the people whose talent and dedication bring those projects to life,” said Simonette Berry, business agent of Local 478. “Their courage and solidarity send a powerful message: when workers stand together, they have the power to shape their future. This victory belongs to the crew.”