Frequently Asked Questions
At any stage of a union campaign, it’s important that all workers understand what a union is, how it can help at 9Story, and what’s involved in a union campaign as it progresses.
If your question isn’t answered here, contact IATSE Rep Rajean Hoilett at rhoilett@iatse.net. All communications are strictly confidential.
—
Q: How does the unionization process in Ontario work?
In Ontario, the process to form a union generally involves these steps:
Workers sign confidential union support cards.
Once 40% or more of the eligible workers sign a card, the union files for certification with the Ontario Labour Relations Board.
The Labour Board facilitates a confidential, online vote. To win, we need a simple majority (50% + 1). Once the ballots are counted, the Labour Board certifies the union.
After certification, our friends and co-workers at 9Story, with IATSE’s support, will begin negotiating our contract with the employer.
Q: What are ‘union cards’?
A union support card indicates a worker’s desire to be represented by a union. In Ontario, these cards expire after one year. Digital union cards are used and can be signed confidentially via email, though paper cards are also available.
Whether you’ve signed a card is completely confidential between you, the union, and the Labour Board. It’s illegal for employers to know who signed. To sign a card, email rhoilett@iatse.net to request one for 9Story.
Q: Who is eligible to join the union at 9Story?
All artists and production workers, including supervisors and leads, are likely eligible to join. Only management, typically those with direct hiring and firing authority, is ineligible. The Ontario Labour Relations Board ultimately decides eligibility.
Q: What are the union dues?
Union dues are regular payments made by members to support union activities. Dues are set by members, meaning you’ll have a direct say in how much they are. Dues are typically 1-2% of your salary.
For example: If you earn $65,000 and dues are 1%, the weekly cost would be about $12.50, plus $58 quarterly. Dues are tax-deductible, which reduces the net cost. You don’t start paying dues until the collective agreement is ratified and you begin receiving the benefits of membership. Union dues are tax deductible so you get most of the money if not all of it back when we file our taxes
Q: Why do we have to pay dues?
Dues fund the union’s activities, including contract negotiation, enforcement, training, legal support, and other benefits. Decisions about how funds are spent are made democratically by the elected local union board, as directed by members.
Unionized workers often see higher wages, better benefits, and stronger workplace protections compared to non-unionized counterparts. Since dues are tax-deductible you get most of that money back.
Q: Do I have to join the union if the studio unionizes, even if I didn’t sign a card?
Yes. Once a union is certified and the collective agreement is ratified, everyone at the studio must join the union. This is called the “open shop” model and is required under Canadian labor law. All workers will enjoy the same rights, benefits, and protections, regardless of whether they signed a card initially.
Q: How does bargaining/negotiating a union contract work, and how do workers provide input?
Once the union is certified, a Bargaining Committee made up of workers will conduct surveys and hold meetings to determine priorities. IATSE representatives and lawyers assist in preparing bargaining proposals.
The committee then negotiates with the employer. If a tentative agreement is reached, all workers vote on whether to ratify it. If not ratified, negotiations continue.
Q: What kind of things can be achieved in a collective agreement?
A collective agreement is a legally binding contract between workers and the employer. It outlines wages, benefits, working conditions, and more.
Here are examples of improvements achieved at other studios:
Lowest-paid workers saw $400 per week increases.
20% increase in sick/personal days.
Clear overtime rules and the ability to decline overtime.
Worker-written anti-bullying and harassment policies.
Annual wage minimum increases.
Protections against outsourcing.
At 9Story, we’ll negotiate an agreement that reflects our unique needs.
Q: Will forming a union mean 9Story outsources more work?
No. A collective agreement can include provisions to limit outsourcing and protect in-house jobs. Without a union, there’s no protection against outsourcing.
Q: How could we protect against AI taking jobs from workers?
A collective agreement can address technological changes, including AI. It can require consultation with workers before implementing new technology, ensuring it doesn’t negatively impact our jobs.
Q: What if 9Story finds out I signed to support a union?
9Story will never find out who signed a support card. Signing is confidential and protected under Ontario labor law. Retaliation is illegal.
That said, employers may use indirect tactics to discourage union support, such as:
Organizing anti-union meetings.
Claiming unions won’t protect existing benefits (not true – unions lock in and improve benefits).
Stay informed and know your rights.
Q: Can I sign a card if I’m on a closed work permit?
Yes! Signing a card will not affect your immigration status. Unions help with job security, which can benefit permanent residency and citizenship applications.
Q: What if I like some of the benefits already and I don’t think we need to improve them?
A union locks in the good things and works to improve what needs changing. Without a union, the benefits you like can change without notice. With a union, we’ll be notified first before any changes. It’s important to remember that our current working conditions/benefits will not worsen.
Q: Will forming a union mean we have to go on strike?
No. Strikes are rare and require a vote. In Ontario, you can’t legally strike during first-contract negotiations.
Q: Will unionization hurt 9Story as a studio?
No. All of our clients are likely familiar with unionized studios already because many of the major studios like Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, and more are unionized! Unions have lobbying power and can contribute to making lasting impact, such as increasing film and television tax credits, so that producing projects at 9Story remain attractive to clients. The clients know that when they give us production opportunities, we can deliver a high quality result because of our talent. By improving working conditions and transparency at the workplace, we only attract even more talented artists to apply to work at 9Story—everyone strives to have a stable animation career after all.
Q: I want to help out. What can I do?
Contact Rajean Hoilett (rhoilett@iatse.net) to get connected with organizers. You can help by talking to your co-workers and sharing information about the campaign.
Q: Life is busy. Do I have to participate in union meetings?
No. Supporting the union only requires signing a confidential support card. Participation in meetings or committees is opti