News & Updates

‘Equal Pay for Equal Paint!’

The Animation Guild (TAG), Local 839 of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), resumed negotiations with Hollywood studios this week and are fighting for pay equity for color designers, a job historically staffed by women. TAG represents thousands of animation artists, writers and technicians. In addition to winning language that will protect members from the creeping influence of artificial intelligence, the union is hoping to secure a new three-year contract that also ensures fair pay across genders. The job of color designers stems from the traditionally women-dominated department called ink and paint, which was created during the animation boom of the 1930s. Because it was labeled as women’s work and entry-level, studios used this to justify paying the workers less—a devaluation that still persists today.

AFL-CIO Daily Brief

San Francisco Symphony Chorus Authorizes Strike

The leadership of American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and AGMA members of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike on Monday. AGMA represents 32 paid professional singers of the 152-person chorus. Symphony management wants to slash AGMA choristers’ pay by 65%.

AFL-CIO Daily Brief

Mercury Ballroom Stagehands in Louisville Vote to Form Union

On Thursday (9/12), stagehands at the Louisville, Kentucky-based Mercury Ballroom voted unanimously to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 17. The unit will include around a dozen staff at the Mercury Ballroom, which is one of the city’s premier venues for live music, performances and other events. This resounding victory marks the third crew at a Live Nation venue to organize in recent months, following successful votes by workers at Denver’s Summit music hall and Marquis Theater earlier this summer.

Narsiso Martinez Exalts the Individuality of America’s Farmworkers in ‘Joyfully Grown’

“In the Works,” the centerpiece of Narsiso Martinez’s solo exhibition at Charlie James Gallery in Los Angeles, spans three walls and is made from dozens of found produce boxes. At the center of the piece and above a doorway is a long table resplendent with apples, kiwi, oranges, and grapes, all crowned by a chandelier. Flanking the dinner, farmworkers climb ladders or sit on the ground, sorting the harvest into the very boxes the composition is made from. Back in the center, the faceless attendees at the table enjoy the literal fruit of the workers’ labor. Read more.

Colossal

New Album "Labor Day" by George Mann and Si Kahn Features a Star-Studded Cast of Folk Icons

George Mann has announced the release of his latest album Labor Day, a collaboration with legendary songwriter Si Kahn. The album showcases 21 songs written by Kahn, with performances by both Kahn and Mann, as well as contributions from renowned folk artists such as Peggy Seeger, Billy Bragg, John McCutcheon, and Tom Chapin. The album includes eight never-before-released tracks, with four sung by Kahn and three by Mann. A standout contribution is Billy Bragg’s rendition of "We’re the Ones," a previously unrecorded song by Kahn. John McCutcheon, who has worked with Kahn for 50 years, offers a powerful new version of "Go to Work on Monday." Labor Day is a tribute to workers and their unions, featuring 10 additional tracks from artists like Magpie, Joe Jencks, Cathy Fink, and Michael Johnathon. Notably, Odetta appears on Michael Johnathon’s version of "Gone Gonna Rise Again." For more information, including lyrics, background, and full credits, visit Mann's website here. Fans of folk and labor movement music will find this album a heartfelt and inspiring collection celebrating the enduring spirit of workers’ rights.

"The worker must have bread, but she must have roses, too."

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