Image Comics staffers took to their union website for Comic Book Workers United to announce they’ve voted 7-2. These staffers work behind the scenes from the creators making the comics working in editorial, accounting, and the like. What this means is the Comic Book Workers United have been officially recognized by the National Labor Relations Board and will become part of the 700,000 member Communication Workers of America union.
The Daily Union Elections Twitter account posted the news yesterday.
This is the first-ever comic book publishing company in the United States to unionize.
In an update posted to the Comic Book Workers United site, ten Image staffers signed a letter that reads:
We’re beyond thrilled to announce that today we, Comic Book Workers United, have WON our union election, making Image Comics the FIRST unionized comic book publisher in the United States.
All 12 Image staffers submitted ballots, leading to a 7:2 result in favor of the union. At this time, three staffers’ ballots are subject to a frivolous legal challenge on eligibility, thus their ballots were not opened. Although these three ballots were not opened, their challenge had no impact on our supermajority win. CBWU and the CWA continue to push for their inclusion in the democratic process.
Winning this election is only the beginning — as always, we are #drawninsolidarity and are eager to continue working together with CWA on the next steps towards securing a strong, fair, and exemplary first contract for comic book publishing workers.
We want to stress how crucial it is for all workers to know they are worthy of respect, fair treatment, fair compensation, and recognition for their time and effort. The NLRB, NLRBGC, and the CWA have been a boon of resources on how to get started on the path to unionization.
It is our sincere hope that today’s win inspires our peers to organize for a democratic voice. CBWU is ready to stand with you to help create a better and more equitable comics industry for all.
Signed,
Emilio Bautista
Ryan Brewer
Leanna Caunter
Marla Eizik
Drew Fitzgerald
Melissa Gifford
Chloe Ramos
Tricia Ramos
Jon Schlaffman
Erika Schnatz
Stay tuned to AIPT, as this news will likely continue to develop. Whether or not this union inspires others in the comics industry remains to be seen, but it’s something to keep tabs on as 2022 unfolds.
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