Production Assistants on CBS' Cupertino Seek Unionization to Improve Working Conditions

On Friday, production assistants (PAs) from CBS's upcoming legal drama Cupertino filed for a union election, aiming to join the Production Assistants United labor group. The show, featuring Mike Colter, follows a former tech lawyer navigating challenges in Silicon Valley. Although named after the California city known for Apple, the series is filmed in New Jersey and is set to premiere this fall.

Unionization Efforts by Production Assistants

The organizers of the unionization effort represent 23 PAs working on Cupertino. They have raised concerns about declining working conditions in the industry. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the group emphasized, "The entertainment industry on the production level is full of incredibly hardworking craftspeople and laborers. Healthcare, turnarounds, and fair wages are all safeguards for workers to ensure that they are given a high quality of life."

These PAs argue that they have been conditioned to believe they do not deserve essential benefits. They pointed out that studios are actively reducing standards, including eliminating 12-hour guarantees and lowering pay rates. Their unionization is a way to advocate for better working conditions and ensure their voices are heard.

Concerns Over Working Conditions

A representative for Production Assistants United clarified that while productions in the New York area have not included 12-hour guarantees in non-union deal memos, this practice has not yet affected Cupertino. The organizing PAs are particularly focused on securing the 12-hour guarantee, which they believe is crucial for their livelihood.

This movement marks the first unionization attempt by Production Assistants United for a CBS Studios production. The group, affiliated with LiUNA Local 724, has successfully unionized several shows, including Abbott Elementary and Chicago Med, since its establishment in 2025.

Historical Context of Unionization in the Industry

The unionization of PAs is part of a broader trend in the entertainment industry where workers are seeking better treatment and working conditions. As studios continue to push for lower costs, many workers have felt the impact of reduced benefits and protections.

• 23 PAs from Cupertino are involved in the unionization effort.
• Union representatives emphasize the need for 12-hour guarantees in contracts.
• Production Assistants United has previously unionized shows from both Warner Bros. and Universal Television.

The outcome of this unionization effort could set a precedent for similar movements across the industry, highlighting the need for fair treatment of all workers involved in production.