Production Assistants on CBS's 'Cupertino' Seek Unionization
A recent development in the entertainment sector sees production assistants from CBS's forthcoming legal series, 'Cupertino,' pursuing formal union representation. These professionals have submitted an application to organize under the banner of Production Assistants United, an affiliate of LiUNA Local 724. This action underscores a growing movement among film and television crews to advocate for improved working conditions, equitable compensation, and benefits, particularly in response to perceived shifts in industry employment practices.
The core of this unionization drive involves 23 production assistants associated with the show, which stars Mike Colter. While 'Cupertino' draws its name from the renowned Californian hub of technology, its filming operations are actually conducted in New Jersey. The program, anticipated to debut on CBS later this year, follows a former technology attorney who, after experiencing professional betrayal, dedicates his efforts to representing individuals against powerful tech corporations. The decision by these PAs to seek union affiliation stems from a collective desire to safeguard their welfare and ensure their contributions are appropriately valued.
In statements issued to the media, the production assistants articulated the crucial role they play in the entertainment production pipeline. They emphasized that individuals across various specialized crafts and labor categories within the industry are incredibly dedicated. The PAs highlighted that fundamental protections such as health benefits, reasonable rest periods between shifts, and fair wages are essential for maintaining a decent quality of life for workers. They questioned why production assistants, in particular, have been led to believe they are undeserving of these basic provisions.
The PAs' declaration further pointed out a concerning trend where production companies are reportedly undermining established standards for PA contracts. Specifically, they noted instances of the removal of 12-hour guaranteed rest periods and reductions in pay rates. Their unionization effort is presented as a crucial mechanism to ensure their input is considered in pivotal discussions that directly influence their financial stability and professional well-being. A representative from Production Assistants United clarified that while recent non-union agreements in the New York area have seen the exclusion of 12-hour guarantees, this specific issue is not confined to 'Cupertino.' The organizing PAs are steadfast in their commitment to reinstating and upholding the importance of these rest period guarantees.
This initiative marks the inaugural unionization push by Production Assistants United specifically targeting a CBS Studios production. The labor group has a history of successful organizing, having previously unionized staff on various Warner Bros. Television series, including 'The Pitt,' 'Abbott Elementary,' 'George & Mandy’s First Marriage,' and 'All American,' as well as Universal Television's 'Chicago Med' and 'Chicago Fire' since 2025. Furthermore, the union is currently engaged in negotiations for an agreement concerning 'The Four Seasons,' a Universal Television production streaming on Netflix. These ongoing efforts reflect a broader trend of labor organizing within the entertainment industry as workers strive for improved conditions and greater representation.
The ongoing effort by production assistants on 'Cupertino' to form a union signals a significant moment in labor relations within the television industry. This movement reflects a broader aspiration among crew members for enhanced job security, better compensation, and more humane working conditions, aiming to establish a stronger collective voice in an evolving industry landscape.
