Nickelodeon has agreed to voluntarily acknowledge a bunch of manufacturing staff below the Animation Guild, avoiding a protracted election.
The group of 177 staff, which embody manufacturing managers, manufacturing coordinators and post-production assistants in Los Angeles, determined to unionize in early December. The subsequent step might be for the group to barter its first contract.
Nickelodeon — producer of such in style youngsters cartoons as “SpongeBob Square Pants,” “Big Nate” and “Rugrats” — confirmed the choice.
“By doing this, the studio has shown that they are willing and ready to recognize the hard work, time and love we pour into our productions,” the organizing committee mentioned in an announcement.
The progress marks a win not only for manufacturing staff who’ve been striving for increased pay and extra inexpensive healthcare, but additionally the Animation Guild. The native, which is a part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, has been steadily rising its protection of staff within the animation sector.
Initially, Nickelodeon, owned by Paramount Global, had resisted recognizing the group and the inclusion of manufacturing staff into its current collective bargaining settlement below the Animation Guild, which incorporates artists and laptop graphics technicians.
That settlement has but to be renewed and no dates have been set for negotiation, the union mentioned. However, the negotiating committee will increase to incorporate representatives from the manufacturing bargaining unit.
The union already represents animation staff at Walt Disney Studios and DreamWorks Animation.
Nickelodeon mentioned it regarded ahead to bargaining an settlement with the union.
“Nickelodeon Animation Studios supports its talented and dedicated production workers who play an instrumental role in the making of our content,” mentioned Brian Keane, government vp of manufacturing and operations at Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
