Production assistants on Chicago Fire have officially voted to unionize, marking a historic moment for television production in Chicago. The unanimous decision makes the NBC drama the first show filmed in Chicago to win a National Labor Relations Board election for production assistants — and the first NBC series to do so.
Out of 23 eligible voters, 18 cast ballots in favor of unionization, with several votes challenged and pending certification. Once finalized, the group will move forward with negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with NBC.
The effort was organized by Production Assistants United, a grassroots movement backed by LiUNA Local 724 that has gained rapid momentum across the industry. Recent union wins include Abbott Elementary and The Pitt, signaling a broader shift in labor protections for behind-the-scenes workers.
For Chicago Fire’s production assistants, the vote represents a push for fairness, stability, and recognition — and could pave the way for similar efforts across network television.
