A growing movement of Canadian Digital Arts Workers, by Canadian Digital Arts Workers.
Unite the Arts is a space for all workers across the entertainment industry, whether you work in animation, VFX, video games, or motion picture television. This is a space for workers to come together, to fight and win for better working conditions.
Campaigns
9 story brown bag
Framestore
Wildbrain (WildBrain Union)
Resources
If you are interested in these materials, please email Jeremy Salter jsalter@iatse.net
Unions 101: Back to Basics
This presentation is a great resource for folks brand new to the world of labour unions and the starting line for finding out how get involved. Easily accessible for everyone, from supporters to those who are wanting to learn more! This presentation will cover:
- The benefits of being in a union
- An introduction into IATSE and the structure of a union
- The timeline to form a union
Unions 101: Student Edition
In this edition of the original Union 101 presentation, students can gain insight on industry conditions and learn about the value of unions in the animation/VFX/games industries before they become employed.
Organizer Cold Calling Training
This presentation is a key resource for organizers who are wanting to learn or brush up on their union conversational abilities. There will be a time where outreach efforts will expand outside of current social networks and into unfamiliar folks, so this presentation comes highly recommended for organizers to begin feeling more comfortable with cold calls.
Inoculation Information: Common Union Busting Tactics
With strong legal protections in Canada, since forming a union is a constitutional right, there is a similar playbook that employers use to convince workers against supporting forming a union. This presentation gives a realistic idea of the types of tactics and is a helpful resource for workers who are wanting to get involved with spearheading a union movement at their workplace but are nervous about the kinds of retaliatory efforts that could be taken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Union Questions
What benefits can I get with a union in place?
A union provides legal protections, fair wages, stronger benefits, and a voice in workplace decisions. Collective agreements can include wage increases, better job security, overtime protections, health benefits, and protections against outsourcing or AI displacement.
Will I have to strike if I’m part of a union?
No. Strikes are rare and require a majority vote from workers. In many cases, bargaining is successful without a strike. In Ontario, workers cannot legally strike during first-contract negotiations.
Do I have to pay money to join a union?
Union dues help fund bargaining, contract enforcement, and legal support. Dues are set democratically by members and are usually 1-2% of your salary. You don’t pay dues until you have a contract in place with the benefits that come with it. Dues are also tax-deductible, meaning you get most of that money back.
Dues ensure that union members have the resources to negotiate strong contracts and fight for better industry standards. Since union dues are tax-deductible, most members get a lot of their dues back at tax time.
Who is eligible to be in the union?
Workers in animation, VFX, video games, film, TV, stage, concerts, festivals , and the broader entertainment industry are eligible. Typically, only management (those with hiring/firing power) is excluded.
Can I join the union as a freelancer?
It depends on your employment structure. Many freelancers can benefit from union membership, especially in industries where project-based work is common. Reach out to discuss your situation!
Unionization Process
What are “union support cards”?
A union support card is a confidential document that shows a worker supports union representation.
Who can sign a union support card?
Workers who are employed at the time of signing and are not part of management. If you’re on contract but expect to return, you may still be eligible.
Am I allowed to talk about unionizing efforts at work?
Yes! It is your legal right to discuss unionizing with your coworkers. However, employers often discourage it, so organizing conversations should take place in non-working hours or off company property.
What can my employer legally do to stop a union from forming?
Employers cannot legally retaliate against workers for supporting a union. However, they may hold meetings, spread misinformation, or attempt to delay the process. Knowing your rights and having strong relationships with your coworkers is key.
Bargaining and Workplace Protections
How does bargaining work, and how do workers provide input?
A Bargaining Committee made up of workers negotiates the contract. Workers fill out surveys, attend meetings, and vote on the final agreement.
What kind of things can be achieved in a collective agreement?
Examples from other agreements include:
- Wage increases and wage transparency
- Annual wage increases
- More sick/personal days
- Clear overtime rules
- Stronger anti-bullying & harassment policies
- Protections against outsourcing & AI displacement
What if I like my current benefits?
A union locks in existing benefits while improving areas that need change. Without a union, the employer can change policies without worker input.
What is the timeline after my workplace unionizes?
Once certified, bargaining begins. The timeline varies, but most contracts are reached within the first year.
Job Security & Industry
Will forming a union mean my studio outsources more work?
No. In fact, a contract can include provisions to limit outsourcing and protect in-house jobs.
How could we protect against AI taking jobs from workers?
A collective agreement can require the employer to consult workers before implementing AI, ensuring it doesn’t replace jobs or lower wages.
What if my employer finds out I signed a support card?
Signing a card is 100% confidential. Employers will never know who signed.
Can I sign a card if I’m on a closed work permit?
Yes! Signing a card will not impact your work visa or PR status. Unions can actually provide job security that helps with immigration processes.
Getting Involved and Next Steps
I want to help out. What can I do?
The best way to help is by talking to your coworkers and sharing information. If you want to be more involved, reach out to an organizer!
Do I have to attend union meetings?
No. Signing a card is enough to support the effort. Meetings are for those who want to be more involved in decision-making.
Contact an Organizer and Unionize your Workplace
This is not an application for work or membership. All submissions are strictly confidential. By submitting this form, you agree to our privacy policy.
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