UPDATED from original 12:21 p.m. story with statement from DWU co-founder Hansen Bursic: Exciting news in the media industry! Documentary Workers United (DWU) has announced that its members have unanimously ratified their first-ever contract with the International Documentary Association (IDA). This achievement comes after months of negotiations and is a significant milestone for labor rights in the industry.
In a statement, DWU expressed gratitude to the IDA workers, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to make this contract a reality. They emphasized that their union and the successful ratification of the contract are a result of their dedication and commitment to equity and justice.
The two-year contract includes important terms that will benefit DWU members. As part of the Communications Workers of America local 9003, DWU represents non-management employees of the IDA, an organization that supports nonfiction filmmakers and advocates for the documentary community through grants and other initiatives.
The unionization effort by DWU took place during a period of turbulence at the IDA, with many employees leaving due to dissatisfaction with former executive Rick Pérez’s leadership. DWU sees their union as a step towards building collaboration and trust at the IDA. They call on the filmmaking community to stand with them, support their mission, and hold their leadership accountable.
Ken Ikeda has been appointed as the interim executive director of the IDA following Pérez’s resignation. Ikeda acknowledged the value of the bargaining process with DWU, stating that it has allowed the IDA to learn and align around shared values.
DWU also recognized and thanked the founders of the union, who have since moved on to other positions. They praised Bedatri Choudhury, Eddie Hustleby, Hansen Bursic, and Kristal Sotomayor for their compassion, bravery, and vision in organizing the union.
Hansen Bursic, now with Outfest, expressed pride in the historic contract ratified by DWU. They see it as a victory not only for IDA workers but also as a blueprint for a more just and equitable industry. Bedatri Choudhury, now at the Philadelphia Inquirer, shared her pride in the union’s achievement and the resilience shown in the face of anti-union tactics.
DWU’s statement also expressed solidarity with workers in the entertainment industry who are currently on strike. They called for support and unity among all film workers, from actors and writers to projectionists, cinema workers, programmers, festival workers, and film administrators. They urged film institutions to champion the rights of laborers and emphasized that the world is watching.
This is just the beginning of DWU’s collective fight for a fair and sustainable industry. The documentary community and its supporters must come together to ensure the success and longevity of the field.
