A labor movement has been growing in the animation industry over the past couple years and unionized artists are currently making a strong push for more equitable salaries and better working conditions.
The progress being made is long overdue, however, it is limited to certain segments of the animation industry. Even in Los Angeles, the hub of American animation production, not all parts of the industry are experiencing improved labor standards. Case in point: stop-motion production.
Stop-motion workers have historically lacked representation by unions and have had to fend for themselves. When it comes to wages, there is no standard salary scale and studios hold all the cards. The lack of labor standards is particularly glaring considering the highly specialized and physically-demanding nature of stop-motion production, which can take a toll on the body and expose workers to toxic chemicals.
