Image Comics Are Now The First Unionised Comic Book Publisher In America

by Olly MacNamee

Comic Book Workers United have voted and they have spoken and set the bar for others to potentially follow in their footsteps. with a 7:2 vote in favour of unionising. Here’s the full statement for you to digest in this historical move:

“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

As I have written before, I was once a work-based union representative for the NASUWT teaching union and what I can say is that workers need representation. And so I can only see this as a welcome move in support of the groups previously published goals which you can read in full here.

Here’;s to “respect, fair treatment, fair compensation,” for one and all! Congrats, guys.