In a landmark moment for the visual effects (VFX) industry, workers on "Avatar," as well as those at Marvel and Disney, have ratified their first-ever labor contracts. This significant achievement represents a pivotal step forward in securing fair treatment and recognition for VFX professionals.

The newly established contracts incorporate standard union protections such as overtime pay, eligibility for the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plan, meal penalties, rest periods, and turnaround times. Notably, the Disney/Marvel contract includes salary increases of 4% in the first year and 3.5% in the second year, aligning with the raises negotiated last year by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

"I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the members of these VFX bargaining units for negotiating fair contracts that have garnered such strong support," said Matthew Loeb, international president of IATSE. "From the onset of this process until today, the leadership and determination displayed by these members have been truly inspiring."

This vote signifies a milestone in the ongoing journey toward unionizing VFX workers, who have long grappled with relentless deadlines and extended working hours. In 2023, approximately 50 Marvel workers unanimously voted to join IATSE, followed shortly thereafter by a unanimous 13-0 vote among Disney VFX workers. Early in 2024, “Avatar” VFX workers cast their ballots, with 57 in favor and 19 against unionization.

These contracts apply to workers directly employed by Disney or Marvel, and in the case of “Avatar,” by Lightstorm Entertainment. However, they do not extend to the thousands of workers employed by third-party VFX companies.

According to a summary released by the union, the “Avatar” contract incorporates language concerning artificial intelligence that was included in the IATSE Basic Agreement last year. Conversely, the summary of the Disney/Marvel deal did not make any mention of AI.

"This is not merely a victory for Marvel/Disney, but an essential triumph for the entire VFX industry," declared Cael Liakos-Gilbert, a VFX data wrangler at Marvel, in a statement. He described it as one of the proudest moments of his life, emphasizing that their efforts have demonstrated what can be achieved through determination and willpower. "We no longer need to speculate or remain shrouded in cynicism and doubt. We've put ink to paper and provided our people with the contract they deserve."

Mack Robinson, a Disney VFX coordinator, expressed his hope that these contracts would signify "the first step towards broader change for the VFX industry."

Justin Meade, who works on “Avatar,” voiced his hope that other VFX workers would follow suit and vote to organize. "Our power lies in our labor, and our voices are heard through our solidarity," he stated. "Now, the Avatar crew will all have the opportunity for an equitable life while working in one of our country’s premier industries."

Additionally, VFX workers at Apple Studios voted unanimously 12-0 to organize with IATSE last year. Workers at DNEG, a leading Canadian VFX firm, also successfully unionized in 2023 and 2024, further underscoring the growing momentum for change within the industry.