Frequently Asked Questions

IATSE 891 responds to questions and concerns expressed by VFX artists:

 

"Why is IATSE 891 interested in unionizing all BC VFX artists?"

VFX artists have been contacting us expressing their concerns about how they are employed, wanting to find out about the benefits of the Union, and how to join. We have designated resources to better communicate with BC's visual effects artists.

"Will I make more or less money in a union?"

Without a union contract employers can cut wages and benefits anytime. With a union contract a signatory employer must negotiate with the Union for any reduction in the terms, conditions, and benefits of the contract. The IATSE 891 agreements provide varying levels of rates. A union contract ensures you will be compensated for your overtime, receive the protection of the terms and conditions of the contract, and accrue benefits.

"Will IATSE 891 be involved in management?"

IATSE Local 891 represents artists and technicians, workers, not management. The collective agreement governs the relationship between the employer and IATSE 891. All rights not expressed within the agreement are management rights.

"Is there seniority?"

No, jobs are obtained based on experience and merit. The union does maintain a seniority dispatch roster on the occasion an employer calls the union to send out a member,

"I want the freedom to negotiate my own contract"

Collective agreements contain provisions for minimum wages, wage increases, benefits, and working conditions. The Master Agreement contains language that permits the negotiation of higher wages than the base minimums stated. The wage you negotiate now and in the future is yours to bargain provided you do not negotiate less than the collective agreement minimum. If an artist chose not to negotiate, they are still guaranteed the minimum in the collective agreement.

"Does a unionized VFX industry mean I can't be laid off or fired?"

No, having a union does not mean you cannot be laid off or fired. The collective agreement negotiated between the studio and the union determines how employees are to be engaged. IATSE 891 is not involved in an employer's choice of whom they hire. But if an employee is fired the Union will investigate the circumstances to determine if the employee was justly fired, in other "words with cause." Protecting your rights protects everyone's right to be treated fairly and equitably.

"What are we guaranteed if we organize a union with IATSE?"

Organizing guarantees you a voice and a democratic process at work. No more, and no less.

Right now, without a union, your employer unilaterally determines the terms and conditions of your employment. After you organize, you will have a seat at the table to negotiate collectively, and the company won't be able to change your hours, pay, or benefits without negotiating with the Union. And if you are not happy with the deal that is reached, you can vote it down.

"IATSE 891 is a business that only wants our dues."

IATSE 891 is a non- profit organization. Businesses exist to make profit.  Our mandate is to better the working terms and conditions of our members and thereby bettering all workers in the entertainment industry. The annual dues that IATSE 891 collects are paid out to a variety of other organizations, including the BC Council of Film Unions (BCCFU), the BC Federation of Labour, IATSE (the International), and the Actor's Fund. IATSE 891 belongs to the BCCFU whom negotiates with the AMPTP and Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA). The BC Fed advocates for the improvement of working conditions for all workers in BC, and the Actors Fund provides emergency financial assistance to entertainment workers in need. IATSE 891 members' working dues run the office, pay for members' skills training, safety training, advocacy, negotiations, etc.

"What type of benefits does IATSE 891 offer to its members?"

IATSE 891has a health benefits plan with Pacific Blue Cross which also includes MSP. We are the founding member of the national Canadian Entertainment Industry Retirement Plan (CEIRP). The Director's Guild of Canada and EP Canada are also members. Local 891 places a high priority on delivering quality, cost effective benefits plans to our members.

"Does IATSE 891 provide training?"

Yes. The VFX department has a training budget. Annually each department outlines their training requirements and submits a proposal and budget for approval. Local 891 pays 100% of all safety training.

"When can we expect union contracts?"

In order to be covered under a collective agreement with your employer you will need to organize your workplace into the union. This requires action from those who want to better their working conditions. There may be opposition along the way from those who do not want VFX artists to have a say in how they work or receive proper compensation including paid overtime. IATSE 891 will help you. VFX artists must be behind the movement for it to happen.

"Will 60, 70, or 100 hour work weeks be common with a union contract?"

Working long hours in the industry is not unusual. Motion picture production including post production is challenging and demanding often requiring employees to work long hours/days/weeks to get the job done. IATSE 891 members place a high premium on their work life balance. This is why the Union has negotiated overtime premiums for working extended hours and weekends as well as provision for adequate turnaround, the cost for loss of work life balance. All employees have the right to refuse unsafe work as per WorkSafe Occupational Regulation 3.12

"Is it possible to contractually sign away my right to overtime?"

You should never agree to, or be coerced to, work for free.

"I hear unions protect 'Lazy Joes'"

The motion picture industry is highly competitive. Vancouver's entertainment industry is respected world wide for the elevated level of skill, artistry, and expertise, demonstrated daily by thousands of illustrious artist and technician union members.

"I'm an artist. I donate my time to make my art better. I make enough money and don't want or need overtime, or a union contract."

Let's think about this like Goldilocks and her porridge. Porridge here equals "the value of your labour." An artist has a "lowest" number in their head that they will work for before they quit. The employer has a "highest" number in their head before they fire you. There is a happy leveling in this relationship where parties enjoy yummy porridge that is "just right". When Goldilocks exclaims " I will waive my legal right to fair employment standards or even work for free to get a chance to make VFX. " Goldilocks has now influenced the way VFX work is valued. It changes what everyone's porridge is worth. Thanks Goldilocks. IATSE 891's mandate is to ensure that all artists and technicians are treated fairly and equitably.

"Will a unionized VFX industry just encourage studios to leave Vancouver?"

Vancouver is the third largest motion picture production center in North America after Los Angeles and New York. Many of the major VFX studios who have set up shop here are also in Los Angeles providing services to the same studio member companies of the AMPTP as the ones who are shooting the movies and television. Time zone, talent base and tax incentives keep Vancouver competitive. The same labour tax incentives, talent base, and ease of work flow give the VFX houses a competitive edge. There is a symbiotic relationship between physical and virtual production that has seen competitiveness increased with contraction of timelines. Movies are being shot and visually effected simultaneously. The goal for Vancouver VFX artists is fair pay, paid overtime, and benefits.

 

VFX is a modern labour chimera of part-time and full-time artists and technicians. Successful labour movements of the 21st century will need to reflect global competition and evolving digital technologies as traditional jobs are supplanted with ever increasing contract employment. The question is "Do you want to have a say in the way it evolves?" We invite you to do your own research. Talk with other union members in the industry. Ask IATSE members about working under a union contracts with benefits. If you have already made up your mind or want more information call 604.664.8921 or email the union at vfx@iatse.com

Let us know when you are ready to join the Union behind entertainment and we will assist you.