Production assistants (PAs) working on the popular television series “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago Med” have successfully ratified their first union contract, representing a significant stride in the ongoing industry-wide campaign to secure union representation for PAs. This landmark agreement encompasses 26 individuals employed by “Chicago Med” and 35 by “Chicago Fire,” both shows produced under Universal Television. These workers will now be represented by LIUNA Local 724, an organization that has previously facilitated similar unionization efforts for PAs on other productions, including “Abbott Elementary” and “The Pitt.” The newly established contract promises enhanced benefits and working conditions, addressing long-standing concerns within the production assistant community.

This ratified agreement stands as a testament to effective collaboration between labor and management, providing a model for future negotiations. Alex Aguilar, business manager for LIUNA Local 724, lauded the company for its constructive engagement throughout the process, emphasizing the mutual recognition of the critical importance of fair compensation, comprehensive healthcare, and robust workplace protections for union members. The successful ratification on “Chicago Fire,” with a vote of 24-3, and on “Chicago Med,” with a vote of 14-1, clearly demonstrates the widespread support for these new terms among the PAs. This outcome reinforces the growing momentum for unionization within the entertainment industry, with LIUNA actively pursuing broader, multi-employer agreements to standardize protections across various productions.

Enhanced Benefits and Fair Compensation for Production Assistants

The newly ratified union contract for production assistants on "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago Med" introduces substantial improvements to their employment conditions. A key provision of this agreement is the immediate access to the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans. This provides a significant upgrade from their previous employer-provided health coverage, which often came with higher premiums, ensuring more affordable and comprehensive healthcare for these workers. Furthermore, the contract addresses compensation, guaranteeing a 25-cent per hour increase for each of the three years of the agreement, building upon their initial minimum wage of $19.93 per hour. These financial and health benefits represent a considerable step forward in securing a more stable and equitable work environment for PAs in the demanding television production landscape.

Beyond immediate financial and healthcare improvements, the agreement also incorporates a range of standard union benefits designed to enhance overall job security and quality of life for the production assistants. This includes provisions for paid holidays, ensuring they receive compensation for national holidays, and meal penalties, which safeguard against excessively long workdays without proper breaks. Additionally, the contract outlines sick leave policies, offering crucial support during times of illness. A notable feature is the establishment of a "pathway subcommittee," an initiative dedicated to exploring and developing avenues for career progression and advancement for PAs within the industry. This reflects a commitment to not only improving current working conditions but also fostering long-term career development for these essential production roles.

A Landmark Achievement in Industry Unionization Efforts

Historically, the role of a production assistant has been largely non-unionized, often viewed as an entry-level position offering a potential stepping stone to more permanent roles within the film and television industry. However, the landscape began to shift significantly during the 2023 writers and actors strikes. This period galvanized a group of PAs to establish Production Assistants United, an organization that subsequently partnered with LIUNA to champion union protections for their cohort. This collaborative effort marked a pivotal moment, signaling a collective desire for greater stability, fair treatment, and professional recognition for PAs across various productions. The ratification of this contract on "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago Med" is a direct outcome of this powerful movement, demonstrating the impact of organized labor in achieving tangible improvements for entertainment industry workers.

The successful unionization of PAs on "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago Med" serves as a powerful precedent for future organizing efforts. LIUNA's strategy has been to approach unionization on a show-by-show basis, encouraging PAs to sign authorization cards to enable the union to negotiate on their behalf. This localized approach has proven effective, and LIUNA continues to engage in similar negotiations, such as those currently underway for a contract with "The Four Seasons," another Universal production based in New York. The ultimate ambition for LIUNA is to secure a comprehensive multi-employer agreement. Such a broad-ranging contract would standardize protections and benefits for PAs across the entire industry, moving beyond individual show agreements to create a more unified and secure future for all production assistants.