VFX workers at Walt Disney Pictures are seeking unionization and filing for an election with the National Labor Relations Board.

On August 28, more than 80% of the studio’s 18 in-house crew members signed authorization cards to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). They’re seeking better working conditions, including fair compensation, adequate healthcare and retirement benefits.

These workers did VFX work on feature films in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise (often regarded as the gold standard for cinematic visual effects) and several recent live-action adaptations of classic Disney films, including The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast (pictured).

With Hollywood’s writer and actor strikes still underway, an increasing number of staffers at kids media giants are taking steps toward unionization this year. It’s shaping up to be a transformative period for VFX professionals, in particular, because they have largely functioned without unions since the field came to prominence in the 1970s.

“With an overwhelming super-majority of these crews demanding an end to ‘the way VFX has always been,’ this is a clear sign that our campaign is not about one studio or corporation,” said IATSE VFX organizer Mark Patch in a release. 

According to IATSE, this is only the second time that VFX workers have organized to demand the same protections as fellow unionized groups. The VFX crew at Disney-owned Marvel Studios was the first to file for a historic election earlier this month, with the votes set to be counted on September 12.