BENEFITS
Animation workers gain access to countless benefits by being members of CAG. These gains are generally two-fold: primary benefits that can be written into contracts, and secondary benefits that arise later on, as a result of those primary benefits shaping and changing the industry.
Secondary Benefits
Revitalized, Longer Lasting Workforce
Artists working less overtime will likely have more personal time for friends, family, and healthy living, as well as personal and artistic development.
Increased Capital For Artistic Projects
Artists receiving higher wages will have more money to invest in themselves and their own projects.
Higher Quality Of Work
By strengthening our industry and providing artists with more time and resources to develop their skills, the quality of local production work can increase.
End to Job Creep
With clearer job definitions, expectations, and working hours, animation artists are less likely to be forced to take on more responsibilities than their job entails.
Primary Benefits
Overtime Protection
Overtime pay can be mandated and regulated, leading to higher wages and/or more manageable working hours for artists.
Wage Minimums
Wage minimums set a floor that no studio can go beneath, ensuring that artists are not underpaid, and are paid more consistently across the board.
Enforcement of Labour Rights
A top priority of any labour union is to enforce labour laws and ensure working conditions are safe and legal for all workers.
Stronger Extended Health Benefits and Continuous Coverage
A union made up of many artists from many studios will have far more buying power, allowing us to purchase better health plans that will carry over as artists move from studio to studio.
Retirement Plans
A union can provide retirement plans into which employers and/or artists contribute so they don’t have to retire in poverty.
COLA
Cost of Living Adjustment, gradually increasing wages incrementally to match inflation.
Grievances and Procedures
Workers are not on their own when filing a complaint against their employers. They have access to union advocates and lawyers who will be on their side and walk them through grievances.
Funding for Professional Development
Unions often provide professional development opportunities in various ways such life drawing classes, funding for certain courses, etc.
Bonded Studios & Protection from Bankruptcy
A Union can ensure that studios prove they have enough budgeted in salary to pay their artists for the work they have done in the case of bankruptcy. Note that these types of arrangements are not as common in animation as they are in film and TV. However, the union has other tools at its disposal to secure payment of wages if an employer goes out of business.