California Animators are NOT HAPPY with New Hollywood Union Contract?!

Clownfish TV: Audio Edition

Yes, The Animation Guild has a new contract. But not everyone is happy. Why not? The protections against AI and outsourcing are all but non-existent. Most of the discussion around the contract isn’t really showering the union with glowing praise. The Animation Guild (TAG), IATSE Local 839, has ratified a new three-year contract covering film and TV animation studios, with 76.1% of members voting in favor. The agreement includes wage increases, enhanced health and pension contributions, improved working conditions, and specific gains for writers and storyboard artists. However, not everyone is pleased, as some members expressed concerns over the contract’s limited protections against generative AI, which currently only require written notifications and consultations for alternative tools. While TAG leaders have called the deal a step forward, the lack of robust AI safeguards remains a sticking point for many in an industry increasingly grappling with technological change. The animation union contract, despite 76% ratification, fails to address AI outsourcing and staffing minimums for freelance artists, leaving them vulnerable to replacement. Netflix is already co-producing shows with studios in Japan and Korea, signaling a shift away from California-based animation production. The new contract allows studios to hand AI-generated scripts to board artists without additional compensation, potentially replacing human writers. The industry is experiencing a "double-edged sword" effect, with employed animators receiving better pay and conditions while many others face layoffs or outsourcing. The animation union’s AI committee is attempting to enforce existing protections and organize studios across the US and beyond, but critics argue it’s insufficient. A large percentage of animation workers feel "desperate and resentful" towards the union due to perceived lack of protection against AI outsourcing. California animators are dissatisfied with their new union contract for not adequately addressing concerns about AI exploitation, job security, and support for lower-tier workers. 00:00 California animators are unhappy with their new union contract for failing to provide sufficient protections against AI exploitation. 02:48 California animators fear job losses from AI advancements and reduced demand from major platforms, creating a tough industry environment. 05:13 California animators are unhappy with the new Hollywood union contract due to inadequate AI protections and a disconnect between the negotiating committee and the membership. 08:41 California animators are unhappy with the new Hollywood union contract for failing to adequately address AI’s impact on their work and compensation. 10:44 California animators are unhappy with the new Hollywood union contract, citing job insecurity, outdated models, and insufficient support for original content amid rising concerns over AI and declining traditional studio jobs. 14:23 California animators are unhappy with the new Hollywood union contract, feeling it neglects their concerns despite a 76% ratification vote. 16:15 California animators are frustrated with the new union contract for failing to address AI, outsourcing, and job security, fueling fears for the industry’s future. 18:56 California animators are unhappy with the new Hollywood union contract, as it mainly favors higher-level artists while neglecting job security and protections for lower-tier workers. 🐠 Become a MEMBER of The Reef at http://ClownfishMinus.com Official Merch Store: http://ClownfishMinus.com CFTV Audio Podcast (iTunes): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/clownfish-tv-audio-edition/id1726838629 CFTV Audio Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/6qJc5C6OkQkaZnGCeuVOD1 Official Website: http://ClownfishTV.com Official Clownfish TV subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ClownfishTVOfficial/ Geeky Sparkles’ Blog: https://www.piratesandprincesses.net/ About Us: Clownfish TV is an independen