Production assistants on “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago Med” have ratified their first union contract, marking a milestone in their unionization efforts.
Contract Details and Coverage
The agreement affects 26 employees at “Chicago Med” and 35 at “Chicago Fire,” both shows produced by Universal Television. These workers are now represented by LIUNA Local 724, which has previously organized production assistants (P.A.s) for “Abbott Elementary,” “The Pitt,” and other productions.
The contract grants access to the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans, offering lower premiums compared to previous employer-based health coverages. Additionally, P.A.s will receive a wage increase from $19.93 an hour, with an incremental raise of 25 cents per hour annually over the contract’s three-year term. Other standard union benefits include paid holidays, meal penalties, and sick leave.
Unionization Efforts and Impact
Traditionally seen as a gateway role, production assistants have historically been non-union. However, the landscape began to change during the 2023 writers and actors strikes, when a group of P.A.s formed Production Assistants United and allied with LIUNA to pursue union protections. Since then, the unionization process has advanced show-by-show, allowing P.A.s to authorize LIUNA to negotiate on their behalf.
LIUNA is also negotiating a contract for “The Four Seasons,” a Universal show based in New York, indicating the broader movement for union recognition across the industry.
Statements from Union Leaders
Alex Aguilar, the business manager of Local 724, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Universal Television. “I want to thank the company for being a collaborative partner throughout this process and for recognizing the importance of quality healthcare, fair wages, and strong workplace protections for our newest LIUNA members,” Aguilar stated. “These agreements are a testament to what can be achieved when labor and management work together in good faith.”
Future Prospects and Votes
A “pathway subcommittee” is included in the contract to explore career advancement opportunities for P.A.s. LIUNA aims to eventually secure a multi-employer deal that would encompass P.A.s across the industry, moving beyond a show-by-show basis.
The ratification vote was overwhelmingly positive, with “Chicago Fire” P.A.s voting 24-3 in favor and “Chicago Med” P.A.s voting 14-1.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/production-assistants-chicago-fire-med-union-contract-1236802870/
