Production assistants on the popular medical series "Chicago Med" have decisively voted to form a union, marking a significant development for labor rights within the entertainment sector. This decision reflects a growing movement among production staff in Hollywood to advocate for better representation and working conditions, signaling a potential shift in industry labor relations. The success of this unionization effort underscores the increasing assertiveness of these essential crew members in seeking a stronger voice in their careers.

"Chicago Med" Production Staff Secure Union Representation

In a recent vote, the production assistants of NBC's acclaimed drama "Chicago Med" overwhelmingly elected to join Production Assistants United. This decision, with an 11-1 vote margin and five challenged ballots pending, highlights a clear desire among the crew for collective bargaining rights. Evelyn-Mariah Johnson, a production assistant on the show, articulated the sentiment, stating their aim isn't to challenge studios but to gain a rightful position at the negotiating table. This successful union drive echoes earlier efforts on another Chicago-based series, "Chicago Fire," indicating a broader trend within the industry for these vital crew members to seek improved labor conditions and fair treatment. The organization, affiliated with LiUNA Local 724 in Los Angeles, continues to expand its reach, unionizing various shows across the country.

The unionization of "Chicago Med" production assistants signifies a critical moment for labor advocacy in television production. Following the lead of their counterparts on "Chicago Fire," who unionized in December, these PAs are demanding a more equitable working environment. Anonymous organizers emphasize that production assistants are integral to creating beloved films and television shows and, therefore, deserve a voice in their employment terms. This initiative is portrayed as an investment in the industry's future talent, ensuring that the next generation of professionals receives fair treatment. The ongoing dialogue with Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment, the production companies behind "Chicago Med," will be crucial in shaping the future of labor relations for these essential crew members. This wave of unionization underscores a persistent call for greater recognition and protection for production staff across the entertainment landscape.

Expanding Unionization Efforts Across the Entertainment Industry

The unionization victory on "Chicago Med" is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of a burgeoning movement led by Production Assistants United. This labor group achieved its inaugural union win with "The Pitt" in September 2025 and has since successfully organized production teams on a variety of other prominent shows, including "The Four Seasons," "Abbott Elementary," and "All American" alongside "George & Mandy's First Marriage." These consecutive successes demonstrate a significant and accelerating trend within the entertainment industry, where production assistants are increasingly uniting to advocate for their rights and improve their working conditions. The momentum gained from these efforts suggests a transformative period for the treatment and representation of production staff.

This widespread unionization reflects a concerted effort by production assistants to solidify their standing and ensure fair labor practices across a diverse range of productions. "Chicago Med," a procedural drama from mega-producer Dick Wolf, features a cast including S. Epatha Merkerson, Torrey DeVitto, Nick Gehlfuss, and Yaya DaCosta, and has aired for 11 seasons. The decision by its production assistants to unionize further solidifies the growing influence of Production Assistants United. Their successful campaigns highlight a collective demand for better wages, benefits, and overall working conditions, which are critical for the sustainability and well-being of crew members in the demanding television production environment. This ongoing movement is poised to reshape labor standards for production assistants, fostering a more equitable and supportive industry landscape.