For five weeks in 1941, Disney cartoonists launched an artist strike on the company which ultimately changed the dynamic of the studio.
The strike reshaped the rights of Disney animators and made the Mouse House a union shop.
Check out the photos and fliers from the event >
During the production of "Snow White" animators were said to have worked overtime on the film with alleged promises of bonuses if the film were to take off. Of course, the film went on to be one of the most successful films of 1937, grossing nearly $75 million in that year alone. Despite this, the cartoonists allegedly never received bonuses for their work.
Instead, funds were reinvested back into the company for a new studio featuring a volleyball and badminton courts, a roof top gym, and a snack shop.
With World War II nearing, Disney found itself in financial trouble with rumors of layoff pervading.
Highest-paid animator at the time, Art Babbitt, resigned from his post as president of the Disney Company union to head the Screen Cartoonist's Guild and lead the artists a strike May 1941.
Nearly half of Disney's more than 800 animators went on strike picketing in front of the studio's Burbank offices and screenings of films.
It took the intervention of F.D.R.'s administration to end the strike five weeks later.
The end of the strike resulted in future salary negotiations by the Screen Cartoonists Guild.
Thanks to Retronaut, for spotting these photos.
Here are cartoonists in a a picket line at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.
The sign near the top right corner of the photo reads "Local 852. San Fernando Central Labor Council."
This two-sided flier from cartoonists on strike featured Mickey Mouse wearing an American Federation of Labor (AFL) button:
The back of the flier notifies that, despite reports stating otherwise, the artist's strike was still on:
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