What's Happening?
Production assistants on CBS Studios' upcoming legal drama 'Cupertino' have unanimously voted to unionize with LiUNA Local 724. This marks the first union election victory for the Production Assistants United movement at a CBS Studios production. Out
of 25 eligible production assistants, 13 voted to join the union in a National Labor Relations Board election, with three ballots challenged. The decision reflects a growing movement among production assistants seeking better working conditions, including health coverage, minimum pay rates, and career pathway committees. The show, set in Silicon Valley but filmed in New Jersey, is created by Robert and Michelle King and is set to premiere this fall.
Why It's Important?
The unionization of production assistants at CBS Studios signifies a significant shift in the entertainment industry, highlighting the increasing demand for improved labor conditions. This move could set a precedent for other production assistants across the industry, potentially leading to widespread changes in employment standards. The union's success at CBS Studios, following similar victories at Warner Bros. and Universal Television, underscores a growing trend of labor organization in Hollywood. This could lead to more stable and equitable working conditions for early-career workers in the industry, impacting how studios negotiate labor contracts in the future.
What's Next?
The next step for the newly unionized production assistants is to negotiate their first contract with CBS Studios. This contract could include provisions for health coverage, minimum pay rates, and holiday benefits. The outcome of these negotiations could influence future unionization efforts and labor agreements in the entertainment industry. As more production assistants seek union representation, studios may need to adapt to changing labor dynamics, potentially leading to broader industry reforms.
