A group of US-based visual effects workers on Star Wars franchise productions have unionised with IATSE, forming a new bargaining unit that will negotiate its first contract with the studio. The move, announced on Tuesday, reflects a broader push by entertainment industry crews to secure collective bargaining rights over their working conditions, and follows similar organising efforts among VFX staff on other major Disney properties.

The new unit covers workers contributing to titles including The Mandalorian & Grogu, Ahsoka and Star Wars: Starfighter, with IATSE stating the vote to unionise was unanimous. IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb welcomed the workers, saying they deserved "a meaningful voice in shaping their working conditions." This follows VFX cohorts at Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures and the Avatar franchise, who ratified their first IATSE contracts with Disney last year; IATSE itself represents around 170,000 technicians and craftspeople across live events, film, television and broadcast in the US and Canada.