Spinning out of this thread, figured a new one was appropriate. I suggest reading the original thread though, as it includes multiple testimonials.
via CartoonBrew
This story has definitely caught on, and has developed further than expected. While it's still only a step, hopefully a solution is found to protect Vancouver workers and provide a precedent for animation studios elsewhere.
via CartoonBrew
Vancouver-based union Local Unifor 2000, which represents roughly 800 media workers, filed a third-party complaint last Friday with Canada’s Employment Standards Branch against Sausage Party animation producer Nitrogen Studios Canada over allegations that the company failed to pay animators overtime while working on the film.
“We are aware of serious allegations that Nitrogen did not pay some of its animators overtime, and we’ve formally asked the Employment Standards Branch to investigate,” said Jennifer Moreau, vice-president of Unifor Local 2000, in a press statement.
“Many of these animators are too scared to come forward—that’s why we’ve filed the third party complaint,” Moreau further said. “They are afraid they will be blacklisted and denied future employment in what’s essentially a small, tight-knit community, where they go from contract to contract. Workers tell us the companies use loopholes, classifying their work as high tech or contract work, to get around basic employment standards.”
Currently, no animation studio in Vancouver is represented by a union, and none of the thousands of artists working in Vancouver’s animation, vfx, and video game sectors enjoy basic worker protections offered by unions.
This story has definitely caught on, and has developed further than expected. While it's still only a step, hopefully a solution is found to protect Vancouver workers and provide a precedent for animation studios elsewhere.