While doing nothing does nothing, doing the wrong thing doesn't help either. This isn't rocket science. My question, and I can't find anything on this.
How long did it take the directors, writers, actors, set lighting, grips to form a union?
Weeks? Months? Years?
Are we slow, are we that disconnected with what is wrong? I don't think we are.
Lets be clear. If you want overtime and health care we are going to have to unionize. This is especially true if you work in a small shop. I do not see smaller shops offering health care and pension plans, even huge places won't. The way it's setup doesn't work. This is true in the USA. If you happen to work in a location that offers government provided health care this not a concern but retirement should be.
Here's the problem if you have been a freelancer the whole time in visual effects you should know to save money. You should know you are going to pay "X" amount of money for health care. Not having a retirement plan at 40 isn't anyone's fault but yours.
So file your rep card. Talk with the artist next to you. Lets see if we can do better.
I love visual effects. I love the problem solving and the people. Lets make it better so we can continue to do what we love.