Creative workers at Theorist Media have announced a joint unionization effort with support from the Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700) and the Writers Guild of America West. Employees at Theorist, who perform a variety of roles such as editing, writing, sound design, thumbnail creation, and digital production, are calling on Lunar X—the company’s owner—to recognize their unions.
The organizing campaign began when workers contacted the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). The Writers Guild of America West joined to help coordinate efforts for writers, while IATSE Local 700 is leading representation for other job categories.
Nicole Cepeda, who works in graphics at Theorist, said: “For more than 20 years, we’ve watched terrific creators and their content shape YouTube into one of the most powerful platforms on Earth. Now it’s time for Theorist and other production companies to take it to the next level. By unionizing, our goal is to help raise professional standards and bring them in line with the broader entertainment industry. The work we do is real, and it deserves real protection.”
Daniel Zemke, a writer at Theorist, stated: “My aunt was the first female president of the Detroit Federation of Teachers, where she fought for collective bargaining rights for educators. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I’m proud to be continuing her legacy by helping bring the labor movement to YouTube. We’re fighting for fair wages, better working conditions, and a voice on a platform that is sorely lacking in worker rights.”
Despite receiving support from most relevant employees through petitions, Lunar X has declined voluntary recognition of the unions and instead opted for an election through the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
WGAW President Michele Mulroney commented: “All workers have a right to union representation. The creatives behind Theorist programming are bringing audiences, advertisers, and profits for Theorist — it’s time for the good union jobs to follow.”
Workers say they will continue pressing Lunar X and Theorist Media to recognize their unions voluntarily and negotiate contracts.
Alan Heim, ACE and president of Motion Picture Editors Guild added: “With all its successful enthusiast sites, Theorist has proven that a huge audience exists for professionally produced content on YouTube. Now it’s time for management to prove that they will do the right thing by the hard-working craftspeople who make all that great content possible.”
The Motion Picture Editors Guild represents over 7,500 post-production professionals across film, television, and digital media sectors in the United States.
