The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839

Although not part of the CBA, the Guild sponsors a multi-employer, employee-funded 401(k) to which virtually all of its employers are signed. The 401(k) was administered by Mass Mutual in the past, but is currently managed by The Vanguard Group.

The Guild covers all artistic, creative and technical job categories in the animation process, with the following exceptions:

• Animation camerapersons are under the jurisdiction of IATSE Local 600.
• Track readers and soundpersons are under the jurisdiction of IATSE Local 695.
• Animation editors are under the jurisdiction of the Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700.
• Animation voice actors are covered by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
• Generally speaking, animation directors of theatrical features are not covered, as they are considered management due to their ability to hire and fire employees, but animation directors in other media such as television are covered.
• Although animation producers, production managers and non-creative support personnel are not covered under the Guild CBA, employers will sometimes sign a so-called "non-affiliate" agreement that allows them to cover them for purposes of health insurance and pension.
• Although most animation writers are under the Animation Guild's jurisdiction, some are covered by the Writers Guild of America West.
• So-called "freelancers" are covered under the CBA if they are working as employees of a signator employer. Bona fide independent contractors are not covered, since they are not employees of the company for which they perform work.

Although the Guild's traditional jurisdiction was limited to those working on animated films, in recent years the Guild has expanded to the point where a significant percentage of its members are employed in motion picture computer graphics. Today, both 2D and 3D artists work under the Guild's jurisdiction, both in animation and live action.

In 2009, the Guild negotiated bargaining terms for streaming television when it was "something of a quirk," leading to a push by some in the animation industry, and the Guild itself, for better working conditions for those in the industry.[1][2]

All of the Animation Guild's current collective bargaining agreements are with employers in southern California. The IATSE and other IA locals have jurisdiction over animation in other areas of the United States and Canada.

As of 2022, the following animation studios were signed to collective bargaining agreements with the Animation Guild:

The Guild also signs collective bargaining agreements with payroll companies. Payroll companies perform the payroll and other administrative functions (often including human resources) for small companies and unincorporated animation projects, and serve as the employer of record for purposes of making Guild health insurance, 401(k) plan and pension payments, and processing grievances. Payroll companies signed to the CBA include:

• Cast & Crew Production Plr Inc.
• EPSG Management Services (Entertainment Partners)
• Payday Inc.
• Quantum Payroll Services, Inc.

Animation artists, writers and technicians who are hired by employers signed to Guild CBAs will be required to join the Guild after thirty days' employment. The one-time initiation fee consists of two weeks' minimum scale wages for the job category in which the applicant has been hired.

Dues are charged quarterly and are also based upon the scale rate for the job category as of the beginning of the quarter. As of August 2008 the highest dues rate is $101.00.

Animation artists, writers and technicians who are employed by companies that do not have TAG agreements, may become members if and when the company is organized. Potential members may assist the Guild in its organizing efforts by signing a confidential representation card.

After the employer is organized and signed to a collective bargaining agreement, employees often are brought into membership without initiation fees.