Sticking It to Nickelodeon

[Omaha Steve]

https://labornotes.org/2024/01/sticking-it-nickelodeon



The union collected members’ contract demands on sticky notes and later posted them all over the studio in preparation for a holiday party featuring Nickelodeon executives. Photo: Nora Meek.

January 31, 2024 / Nora Meek

Production workers at Nickelodeon’s Animation Studio are fighting for their first contract alongside already-organized artists (writers, designers, colorists, storyboarders and background painters) who have been working under an expired contract for two and a half years.

The workers collectively produce animated shows: The Loud House, Rugrats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Spongebob SquarePants. The artists have been members of IATSE Local 839, The Animation Guild (TAG) since 2002, and 3D computer graphics staff joined in 2013.

After a vigorous campaign, the production workers joined in January 2023. These workers keep things coordinated, flowing and on schedule. Production workers have lost their apartments and can't afford groceries while working on Spongebob and PAW Patrol—arguably billion-dollar properties.

The new organizing has given renewed energy to the contract campaign, and now union members, old and new, permanent and freelance, have come up with creative disruptive tactics to get a fair contract for everyone.

FULL story at link above.