The union representing staffers at the Portland, Ore.-based Image Comics announced that workers voted overwhelmingly on March 1 to approve their first union contract.
In a statement released March 2, Comic Book Workers United (CBWU) celebrated the contract and thanked supporters as they continue their "collective bargaining journey."
"We were hopeful for, but could never have imagined, the outpouring of support we received when we began our collective bargaining journey," the union shared. "A lot has happened since that first announcement, and we cannot begin to adequately express our gratitude to the community of people within and without the industry who have stood with us during contract negotiations."
CBWU is a new union affiliate of the Communications Workers of America. The union was launched last November by a group of 10 Image Comics staffers to represent employees in editorial, production, and marketing. No comics artist are represented.
"As we celebrate this victory, we also want to take the opportunity to reaffirm that this contract is just the first step among many and we hope you will stick with us as we continue the fight for union representation and more equitable working conditions for everyone in the comic book industry and beyond," CBWU continued in its contract announcement.
With the start of the union, CBWU also launched a website that includes background and information about the union's goals. The launch of the union is aimed at spurring discussions and action on working conditions across the comics industry. In a statement on the CBWU website, the group states: “For years, comics publishing workers have watched our professional efforts support creators and delight readers. Sadly, we have also watched that same labor be taken for granted at best and exploited at worst.”
