Production assistants working on the hit NBC drama Chicago Fire have voted to unionize, marking a major milestone for crew labor organizing in the television industry.
The vote, conducted under the oversight of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), saw the overwhelming majority of production assistants supporting unionization. This decision gives the team a clear mandate to pursue a collective bargaining agreement with the show’s producers and network, covering important issues like fair wages, safer working conditions, and formal workplace representation.
This development is particularly significant because Chicago Fire is one of the first major Chicago‑produced TV shows where production assistants have successfully voted to unionize. Many PAs across the industry previously worked long hours with minimal protections or benefits, making this a landmark achievement for entry‑level and behind‑the‑scenes workers.
Members of the grassroots group Production Assistants United, supported by labor union LiUNA Local 724, celebrated the vote as a step toward broader labor reforms in film and television. Organizers say this success could inspire similar efforts on other productions, improving conditions for countless crew members nationwide.
The next step will be for the NLRB to certify the vote results and begin negotiations with the production team. If successful, this could lead to the first union contract for PAs on the series and set an important precedent for other shows in Chicago and beyond.
The vote highlights not only the growing organization of television crews but also a shift toward stronger worker protections in an industry long known for its demanding schedules and high-pressure environment.
