LOS ANGELES, CA - Visual effects workers at Apple Studios have secured their first collective bargaining agreement with IATSE, winning new standards for wages, health care, retirement benefits, working hours, artificial intelligence, and workplace safety.

The contract establishes minimum rates for every covered title. Annual minimum rate increases will match those negotiated in the IATSE-AMPTP Basic Agreement. Workers also secured minimum-hour guarantees, pay for all hours worked, and overtime protections including holidays and sixth and seventh workdays.

The agreement provides employer-paid Motion Picture Industry health care, pension benefits, and a defined contribution retirement savings plan. Employer contributions to the health and retirement plans are effective for all hours worked since January 1, 2026.

The contract incorporates artificial intelligence protections from the IATSE-AMPTP Basic Agreement. It also establishes daily and weekly turnaround and rest protections matching those provided to editorial crews, meal penalties when lunch breaks are violated, and additional pay for hazardous conditions on set.

“For too long, visual effects workers have powered some the industry’s biggest productions without the union protections afforded to many of their colleagues,” said IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb. “It is long past time to fix that. By standing together, Apple Studios VFX workers have secured a strong first contract with enforceable standards, quality benefits, meaningful rest, and protections as new technology changes the industry.” 

The Apple Studios agreement follows first-contract gains secured by visual effects workers at Disney, Marvel, and Avatar. This development also signals the ongoing momentum of VFX professionals organizing for fair wages, sustainable benefits, safer working conditions, and a meaningful voice at work. Visual effects workers interested in organizing with IATSE can learn more at vfxunion.org.