Netflix, ‘Ted,’ And SpindleHorse Workers Join TAG In A Huge Week For Animation Labor Rights

It’s been a milestone week for labor organizing in the animation industry, as three separate groups of workers have announced efforts to unionize under The Animation Guild (TAG), IATSE Local 839.

The units include 60 production workers at Netflix Animation Studios, 12 production staffers on Ted at NBC Universal, and more than 100 artists at SpindleHorse, the independent studio behind Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss.

Together, these groups spotlight how organizing has spread across nearly every corner of the business, feature films, episodic television, and independent projects alike.

Netflix Production Workers

After nearly two years of organizing, a group of 60 production workers at Netflix Animation Studios has submitted a request for union recognition.

“Production workers in animation deserve the same protections as artists—we deserve to fight for sustainable careers,” said Ana Tessier, production coordinator at Netflix. “I’m so thrilled that now we’ll have a seat at the negotiating table. I’m equally inspired by organizing efforts at other studios—the more studios start to unionize, the more we can create a stable future for the animation industry at large.”

For TAG organizers, the Netflix campaign is part of a broader fight for recognition.

“For the last five years, production workers at almost every major animation studio in Southern California have demanded recognition for the essential role they play keeping the animation pipeline flowing,” said Organizer Allison Smartt. “Many union production workers are negotiating their second contracts, proof that this movement is here to stay. From DreamWorks to Disney to Nickelodeon, they continue to fight for living wages, demand respect for their crafts, and negotiate strong contracts. Now it’s time for production workers at Netflix and Ted to join this community and access the same opportunities.”

Ted

At NBC Universal, the production team behind Ted, the series based on the Seth MacFarlane film franchise, has also taken steps to unionize. The 12-member unit is seeking joint representation by TAG and The Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700.

“We’ve been hard at work the last two months trying to get this show on the road and it’s incredible to see what we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time – and to see all the bravery and camaraderie that’s come along with it!” said Ted production coordinator Kelly Simmons. “It’s been inspiring to see so many production teams joining the union over the last few years. I hope others will find our efforts equally inspiring and feel encouraged to fight for positive change in their own workplaces.”

SpindleHorse

Rounding out the week’s announcements, SpindleHorse, a studio founded by creator and TAG member Vivienne Medrano, voluntarily recognized its artists’ request to unionize. The independent outfit, best known for producing Helluva Boss and collaborating on Prime Video’s Hazbin Hotel, will now bargain with TAG on behalf of 106 artists, including storyboarders, background designers, illustrators, and 2D FX artists.

“SpindleHorse is leading the charge in the indie animation industry by pushing for stability for its passionate and highly creative team. We look forward to working with SpindleHorse to overcome boundaries and show what dedicated artists can achieve in the indie scene!” said Melanie An, clean up/renderer.

Storyboard Artist Amelia Kasten added: “I am so thrilled for us to move forward with negotiating a collective bargaining agreement that will not only elevate Spindle as a studio but will also allow these incredible employees to take ownership of their careers and build a more sustainable community at our home studio that benefits all!”

With most of its workforce based remotely across the United States, SpindleHorse’s recognition highlights another key battleground: equity for remote workers.

“As a national local, TAG has the backs of animation workers regardless of their ZIP codes so long as they are willing to stand up for themselves and their co-workers,” said TAG Organizer Ben Speight.