Production assistants on CBS' upcoming show 'Cupertino' have voted to unionize with LiUNA Local 724, marking a significant win for their movement.
In simple terms, production assistants working on CBS’ new legal drama Cupertino have officially chosen to unionize with LiUNA Local 724. This announcement was made on July 29, 2026, following a successful vote where the assistants showed unanimous support for the union, marking a notable victory for the Production Assistants United movement.
What happened is that out of 25 eligible production assistants, 13 cast their votes in favor of joining the union during a National Labor Relations Board election. It's important to note that three ballots were contested, indicating some contention within the voting process. This successful unionization at Cupertino represents the first major win for the Production Assistants United movement at CBS Studios, highlighting a growing trend within the entertainment industry.
The vote at Cupertino is part of a larger narrative concerning labor rights within the entertainment sector. Prior to this victory, most successes of the Production Assistants United movement occurred on productions from Warner Bros. and Universal Television, including popular shows like Abbott Elementary and Chicago Med. The increasing union activity represents a shift as production assistants seek fair treatment and better working conditions, reflecting ongoing changes in the industry amid recent labor discussions.
The impetus for the unionization effort stems from long-standing issues faced by production assistants, such as inadequate pay and a lack of healthcare benefits. The leadership within the group expressed that their unanimous decision is not just a win for their project but serves as a testament to the potential for labor reform across the broader entertainment industry. The efforts of the production assistants indicate an escalating desire for change, as more workers view unionization as the path toward securing rights in their respective roles.
Following their successful vote, the next significant phase for the production assistants involves negotiating a first contract with CBS Studios. Historically, agreements from similar bargaining efforts by Production Assistants United have included improved health coverage, minimum pay standards, and holiday benefits, indicating that concrete changes could soon be in the works for these early-career professionals.
The production assistants released a statement expressing their excitement over this collective move, emphasizing their commitment to champion change within the industry. According to Ethan Ravens, the Director of Organizing for Production Assistants United, this victory at Cupertino is just one of many, proving that the movement is gaining momentum as PAs nationwide push for better labor standards.
The announcement of this union vote is particularly relevant for industry stakeholders, as it symbolizes a shift in labor dynamics within television production. The ongoing support for unionization among production assistants could influence various studios to reconsider their labor practices and policies. If a precedent is set with CBS, other networks may feel pressured to adapt to similar labor models, which could improve conditions across various production environments.
In the entertainment industry, conversations surrounding fair labor practices have intensified, and the actions taken by the Cupertino production assistants may mark a pivotal moment in these discussions. Audience members and the broader community are likely to take note of how these negotiations unfold, potentially shaping public perception of labor practices in media.
The successful vote for unionization among production assistants at CBS’ Cupertino is not just a significant milestone for the individuals involved, but it represents a larger movement advocating for labor reform within the entertainment industry. As contracting discussions begin, this pivotal victory might inspire similar actions across other production teams, fostering a culture that prioritizes worker rights. The outcome will likely set a precedent for future negotiations, highlighting the need for better conditions and protections for production assistants working behind the scenes.
For more on labor movements in media, check out our articles on Grammy Chief Reacts to BTS' Decision Not to Submit for 2027 Awards and Everything Coming to Netflix in August 2026.
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