Aardman Animations Limited

Bristol, United Kingdom

Aardman Animations is a British animation studio renowned for its stop-motion and computer-generated animation. The studio has created beloved films and series including the Wallace and Gromit franchise, Creature Comforts, and Shaun the Sheep, captivating audiences worldwide with its unique storytelling and visual style.

CCI Score

11.52

April 18

Latest Event

Aardman workforce reduction raises labor rights concerns

Aardman Animations is laying off approximately 20 staff members amid challenging market conditions. This cutback, while an economic response, raises questions about the studio's labor relations practices and its commitment to worker rights, potentially undermining labor stability that is essential in countering authoritarian economic pressures.

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SABOTEUR

Aardman Animations Limited is currently rated as a Saboteur.

+10 to +24 CCI Score

Companies in this bracket take more subtle actions to undermine authoritarian practices. They might implement internal policies or support reforms that quietly weaken oppressive systems, contributing to change in less overt ways.

Latest Events

OCT

15

2024

Aardman workforce reduction raises labor rights concerns
-38.02

Aardman Animations is laying off approximately 20 staff members amid challenging market conditions. This cutback, while an economic response, raises questions about the studio's labor relations practices and its commitment to worker rights, potentially undermining labor stability that is essential in countering authoritarian economic pressures.
-40

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 21

The layoffs at Aardman Animations, affecting roughly 20 employees, signal potential disregard for worker rights and labor stability. Although the decision was economically motivated due to challenging market conditions, reducing the workforce, even if minimal relative to total staff, can be interpreted as a move that weakens collective worker power. From an anti-fascist perspective, undermining labor rights contributes indirectly to conditions where authoritarian practices can thrive. The decision raises concerns about the company's broader commitment to ethical business practices and labor relations.

Aardman to lay off roughly 20 staffers
OCT

14

2024

Aardman Animations Layoffs Affect Core Staff
-38.01

Aardman Animations, renowned for its beloved animated franchises, announced layoffs of 15% of its core staff, raising concerns over labor practices and fair worker treatment amid challenging market conditions.
-40

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 21

The decision to lay off 15% of the core staff, particularly impacting management roles, reflects a disregard for stable employment and fair labor practices. This cost-cutting measure, undertaken amid economic uncertainty and high inflation, undermines worker security and raises questions about the company's commitment to ethical labor relations—a key concern for anti-fascist critiques of exploitative business practices.

Aardman Animations To Lay Off 15% Of Its Core Staff
OCT

11

2024

Aardman Cuts 20 Jobs Amid Financial Loss
-28.49

Aardman Animations, the renowned British animation studio, announced a cost-cutting restructuring that resulted in 20 job cuts, affecting roughly 5% of its 425-person workforce. While about one-third of the layoffs were voluntary and there is potential to rehire some on a freelance basis, this move raises concerns over fair labor practices and the treatment of workers.
-30

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 21

The decision to cut 20 jobs in response to financial losses indicates a disregard for stable employment and fair labor practices. Even though a portion of the job cuts were voluntary and there are plans to rehire some on a freelance basis, the layoffs reflect negatively on the company's commitment to worker rights and can contribute to broader concerns about employee exploitation within an economic context that undermines labor security.

Aardman Cuts 20 Jobs in the Face of $720K Loss
MAY

01

2024

Collaboration on Mental Health Awareness Films
55.00

Aardman Animations collaborated with an academic to produce a series of short films aimed at raising mental health awareness and challenging the stigmatization of individuals with severe mental illnesses. This initiative promotes social responsibility and public engagement in critical mental health conversations.
NOV

13

2018

Aardman Transfers Control to Workers
43.21

Aardman Animations has announced the transfer of a 75% stake to its workforce through an employee trust. This move is designed to preserve the studio’s creative legacy, ensure continuity in its independent operations, and empower workers by sharing in the value they create.
+80

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 21

The decision to shift 75% ownership to an employee trust exemplifies strong ethical business practices. It enhances transparency and accountability, empowering workers and ensuring that the company's creative and operational decisions remain democratic and resistant to centralized authoritarian control.

Aardman, the home of Wallace and Gromit, transfers control to workers
+85

Economic and Structural Influence

March 21

By moving towards employee ownership, Aardman is restructuring its economic power and reducing the risk of centralized, autocratic control. This structural change not only supports fair labor practices but also undermines traditional hierarchies that can enable corporate overreach and authoritarian dynamics.

Aardman, the home of Wallace and Gromit, transfers control to workers
NOV

10

2018

Aardman Animations Empowers Employees Through Ownership Transfer
47.25

Aardman Animations has handed over a 75% stake in the business to its employees via an ownership trust, thereby safeguarding its independence and enhancing worker input in management decisions.
+90

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 21

Aardman Animations’ decision to transfer a 75% stake to its employees through a trust structure significantly strengthens labor relations and worker rights. This move democratizes control within the company, promotes transparency, and safeguards its independence against potential corporate or state authoritarian pressures. Such progressive labor practices counteract the centralizing tendencies seen in authoritarian corporate models.

Wallace & Gromit producers hand stake in business to staff
NOV

09

2018

Aardman Animations Transfers Ownership to Employees
39.67

In a move that reinforces corporate democracy and worker empowerment, Aardman Animations transferred the majority of its shares to an employee trust. This decision, made to preserve its creative culture and independence in the face of industry consolidation, aligns with progressive business practices and helps guard against the concentration of corporate power.
+80

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 21

The move to transfer ownership to employees demonstrates a commitment to ethical business practices and strengthens labor rights within the organization. This progressive initiative reduces hierarchical corporate dominance and promotes a more democratic work environment, aligning with anti-fascist principles by empowering workers and ensuring a fair distribution of decision-making power.

‘Wallace & Gromit’ Producer Aardman Animations Transfers Ownership to Employees
+70

Economic and Structural Influence

March 21

By structuring itself as an employee-owned company, Aardman reduces the risk of being absorbed by larger corporate entities, which can often promote centralized power and authoritarian business practices. This restructuring helps to decentralize economic influence and supports a more equitable distribution of corporate control.

‘Wallace & Gromit’ Producer Aardman Animations Transfers Ownership to Employees