Effort marks the first organizing campaign for The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, outside the continental United States.
Workers at Puerto Rico-based Gladius Animation have voted to unionize under The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839 (TAG). According to TAG, on July 12, paperwork was filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of fair representation for animation workers in Puerto Rico.
Studio Texture Artist Lead Adadell Álvarez said, “By organizing and collaborating together, we strive to build a brighter and prosperous future for all, fostering a stronger company that embraces diversity and promotes transparency to ensure the studios success and employees wellbeing,”
Modeler Sylvette Rosario added, "We wanted to have a voice, and be heard. But also, we want to make Gladius a more sustainable place to work, opening more doors to retain creative talent in Puerto Rico."
This win for Gladius Animation workers represents the first time The Animation Guild has successfully organized a studio outside the continental United States.
"The artists at Gladius Studios may be small in number but their unity is mighty,” commented TAG Organizer Ben Speight. “This campaign is the latest example that The Animation Guild has the backs of animation artists and workers from LA and NY to Texas and Puerto Rico, and everywhere in between. These workers simply want a seat at the table with their employer and are determined to ensure that animation is able to thrive in Puerto Rico in a just and sustainable way."
Source: The Animation Guild
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
