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So they quit in the middle of production, but want a credit? These sound like salaried employees (some willing to work nights/weekends, some whining about it) that needed to push on a project to hit deadlines. Not sure why we should feel bad for them and this faux controversy. If they were part of a typical stupid Hollywood craft union, wouldn't those rules cover that?
FX artists/animators are not part of any unions. The movie studios were able to keep them out because it is a newer technology/craft. As such, they are subject to appalling treatment, beyond what is reasonable to most people because the justification is "you should be passionate about your job". We aren't talking about a few hours here and there, on some nights and a few hours on Saturday. If this is akin to other situations that have happened in the past (ie. Rhythm and Hues - the studio that did Life of Pi's CG) its more likely working til midnight or later every night, and then the same hours Saturday and Sunday, for months on end.
I'm a video game artist, and I've had to do "crunch hours" myself from time to time, and even after a few weeks it really begins to suck. It's a similar industry to the VFX industry. There is no justification for treating your employees like this for any longer than is absolutely necessary. But a lot of times studios do this to cut costs, not because they can't afford it but because they want higher profits.
Here is a good article about past situations that have arisen in the VFX world. So far the situation surrounding Sausage Party is hearsay, but eventually the truth will come out.
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/apr/20/business/la-fi-ct-visual-effects-workers-20120420This is a situation that affects a lot of Aggie graduates, as we have tons of students from the Viz Lab employed in the Hollywood VFX industry. You might want to show a little more sympathy to your fellow Ags.