For 18 months, unionized animation artists, writers, editors, and production staff at Virginia-based Whiteboard Geeks have been negotiating their first contract. Represented by The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) and the Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700), the workers have pushed for fair pay, health benefits, and just cause protections. Owner Lance Johnson has refused to bargain seriously and violated labor law, prompting a one-day unfair labor practice strike on Wednesday.
Adapted from a report in the AFL-CIO Daily Brief