On December 23, 2024, The Animation Guild announced that its members voted overwhelmingly, with 76.1% in favor, to ratify a new three-year agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The AMPTP congratulated The Animation Guild on this ratification, emphasizing the significant gains in wages and protections for its members.

The new contract, effective from 2024 to 2027, includes key provisions such as a 7% wage increase in the first year, followed by 4% in the second year and 3.5% in the third year, along with enhancements to health and pension funds.

Among the notable features of the agreement are protections against the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which require producers to provide written notifications and consult with the guild on alternatives to generative AI tools.

Steve Kaplan, the guild's business representative, acknowledged the hard work of the Negotiations Committee but noted that ongoing discussions are necessary to address unresolved issues related to generative AI.

Despite the ratification, some members expressed dissatisfaction over the AI protections, arguing that they may not be sufficient to prevent potential job losses in the animation industry.

The contract also mandates pay equity for color designers, a role traditionally held by women, and establishes minimum staffing levels for TV animation writers.

Additionally, the agreement recognizes Juneteenth as a holiday and introduces specific provisions for staffing levels for writers and benefits for storyboard artists.

Provisions for remote work were included, allowing animators living outside of Los Angeles to participate in union productions, addressing the city's high cost of living.

The Animation Guild, representing over 6,000 professionals in the animation sector, including artists and writers for popular shows, has secured commitments from producers to provide menstrual products at no cost in their facilities.

Concerns over AI have sparked increased interest in union membership and contributed to ongoing labor unrest in the entertainment industry, particularly affecting unions like SAG-AFTRA.

Overall, while the new agreement is seen as a step forward, the lower approval rate compared to the previous contract reflects lingering concerns among members regarding the adequacy of protections against AI.