We are unionising VFX and Animation
We are VFX and animation workers committed to building an industry that provides decent, fair and sustainable jobs in Australia.
Who we are
We are artists, production managers, assistants, coordinators, CG / DFX / VFX supervisors, production technology workers and everyone in between. Our members are full time, part time, casual and freelance workers who believe that equitable, fair and secure working conditions must be available to everybody in our industry.We are members of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), the union for media and arts workers across Australia.
Join Us
The link below will take you to the sign up page to become a member of MEAA. On the sector dropdown select ECS (Entertainment Crew & Sport) and fill out the other fields with the requested information.Going to the next page you will be asked for your pay rate. Select the bracket that matches your income. Ignore the options that say STAA and stick with the ECS options.
Why unionise?
Across the globe VFX workers are coming together to secure better wages and conditions in the workplace. By joining our union, VFX workers are combining our collective strength with MEAA crew members from across the screen industry. Together we can win living wages, living hours, and safe and professional workplaces.
This includes:
Fair and equitable pay, particularly for those on the lower range.
Pay transparency across roles.
Better job security.
Industry wide OT pay with penalty rates and choice between TOIL or pay.
Sustainable career paths with clear progression.
Sustainable workloads across the industry.
Get Involved!
VFX workers have been discussing the common issues the VFX industry is facing and how we can tackle them. We know that these issues will not simply fix themselves and will require a collective effort in order to see improvements. If you would like to support our movement, here are some ways that you can get involved today.
Talk to your co-workers - Share common concerns at work? Is your employer unwilling to discuss or rectify concerns?
Contact an Organiser - Reach out to the VFX Committee or contact a MEAA representative to join your union and discuss the issues in your workplace.
Build Support - Rally people together in your company and build unanimous support to take action and win change.
Vote! - MEAA are a democratic and member led trade union. Members guide decision making through a democratic process and decide which issues to tackle and how to approach them. The more support and engagement we have, the more effective we will be!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be part of this effort?
Artists, including dept. leads and supervisors
Production, including assistants, coordinators and production managers
CG / DFX / VFX supervisors
Production technology
Workers on temporary leave
Part time workers
Anyone with working rights in Australia has the right to engage in a union. So if you are a foreign worker with working rights in Australia you are very welcome!
Who can not be part of this effort?
Employers and anyone in upper management is excluded from participating.
No CEOs, CFOs, COOs
No Executives
No Department Managers
No HR
No Recruiters
If the person is an employer that has direct power over a person's salary or if they can directly hire or terminate an employee, then it is inappropriate for them to be a member.For some roles we are still working out the best way to include people! So if you support unions but are unsure if you can join please reach out.
What are the union dues?
We are a grassroots organisation that is powered by our membership. That means we are member funded and member driven. Our members pay dues that are staggered with income.Union dues start at as little as $1 per day and range up to $4. The average weekly membership is $15 per week.All union dues are tax deductible.
| Pay | Level | Weekly Dues |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $14,999 per annum | 2 | $7.74 |
| $15,000-$29,000 | 3 | $10.54 |
| $30,000-$78,000 | 4 | $15.32 |
| $79,000-$103,500 | 5 | $22.93 |
| over $103,500 | 6 | $29.02 |
Can companies take action against me for engaging in this?
It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone for engaging in a union. If you feel you are being treated unfairly or discriminated against, call MEAA Member Central on 1300 656 513 for support.
Does unionising mean we will go on strike?
A strike or work stoppage is a form of industrial action that union members may take as a last resort during collective bargaining if neither party is able to reach a realistic and fair compromise.It’s in nobody's interest at this stage to go into a strike or work stoppage.
Will unionising cap wages?
No, union members negotiate minimum rates of pay and conditions in our enterprise agreements. Employers are always able to pay above this, and employees are allowed to negotiate higher rates that reflect market demand and professional experience.
Contact Us
Please use the form to submit any questions to the MEAA VFX Committee. Submissions to this form are strictly confidential.If you have questions regarding joining or your current union membership then please contact [email protected] or call 1300 656 513
Authorised by Nikau Irvine, Acting Director, MEAA Entertainment, Crew and Sport. Redfern, NSW 2016.
MEAA Member Central
1300 656 513