The first week of negotiations over a new three-year contract between animation workers, represented by The Animation Guild (TAG) IATSE Local 839, and studios, represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), ended last Friday without an agreement being reached.

Negotiations began on Monday 12 August, when TAG presented its proposals to the AMPTP. The proposals addressed issues facing the industry and workers, including AI protection, improving streaming provisions, craft issues and job security. The producers then shared their proposals with the union’s negotiating team.

The two sides met all week to discuss proposals, counter-proposals and prepare appropriate responses. By Thursday, August 15, it was clear that the two sides were still “far apart” on issues that were crucial to animation workers.