On October 15, a group of 28 production assistants (PAs) working on the set of the New York-based CBS series Elsbeth submitted a petition to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), seeking formal representation. The move is part of a strategic partnership between the workers, the grassroots organizing collective Production Assistants United (PAU), and LiUNA (Laborers’ International Union of North America) Local 724. This petition marks a pivotal moment for the series, which is currently entering its fourth season, as it seeks to address longstanding concerns regarding compensation, workplace safety, and job security for the lowest-rung employees on set.
The Role and Reality of the Production Assistant
The production assistant role is often colloquially described as the "backbone" of any film or television set. Despite being categorized as entry-level positions, PAs are responsible for the logistical flow of a production. Their daily duties range from managing crowds and coordinating equipment movement to facilitating communication between various departments, such as camera, sound, lighting, and art direction.
However, the "entry-level" designation has long been a point of contention for labor advocates. In their formal statement, the Elsbeth PA team argued that this classification ignores the reality of modern production. "For too long in this industry, nonunion labor has been seen as simply an entry-level position when, in reality, these workers are people with years of experience who work some of the longest hours on set while being in precarious positions with their finances, healthcare, and their children’s wellbeing," the group stated.
The demands of a high-budget police procedural like Elsbeth—a spinoff of the critically acclaimed The Good Wife and The Good Fight created by Robert and Michelle King—require long, irregular hours, often exceeding 12 to 14 hours per day. Unlike their unionized counterparts in craft services, cinematography, or post-production, PAs typically lack the standardized protections negotiated through collective bargaining, such as mandated rest periods, overtime safeguards, and access to industry-standard health and pension funds.
A Growing Trend of Collective Action
The Elsbeth petition is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of a broader, systemic movement sweeping across Hollywood. Over the past 18 months, the landscape of production labor has undergone a tectonic shift. Production assistants have successfully organized or filed for elections on a significant roster of high-profile projects, including The Pitt, Abbott Elementary, All American, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, The Four Seasons, Cupertino, and Dexter’s Resurrection.
This wave of activity is largely facilitated by the collaboration between PAU and LiUNA Local 724. By aligning with a established union like LiUNA, production assistants gain the legal infrastructure necessary to challenge the status quo of the gig-economy model that has defined the role for decades. Ethan Ravens, the director of organizing for PAU and LiUNA 724, noted the strategic importance of the current climate: "Production in New York is booming right now, and so is this movement. PAs across the city are deciding that the people who keep these sets running deserve a union too."
Historical Context and Labor Dynamics
To understand the gravity of the Elsbeth push, one must look at the historical precedent of labor relations in the entertainment industry. For nearly a century, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) has negotiated with major unions like IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees), the DGA (Directors Guild of America), and SAG-AFTRA. However, production assistants have historically been excluded from these master agreements.
The exclusion has created a two-tiered system on set. As studios face pressure to cut costs and maximize efficiency, the burden often falls on non-union staff. The consolidation of media companies, which has seen smaller production houses absorbed into massive conglomerates, has further detached workers from management, making it harder for individual PAs to negotiate better terms or address grievances without the threat of retaliation.
The current push is a direct reaction to this vulnerability. By seeking to unionize, these workers are not only asking for higher wages but are also seeking to codify their status as professional, skilled laborers whose contributions are essential to the viability of the multi-billion-dollar media industry.
Legal Implications of the NLRB Filing
By filing with the National Labor Relations Board, the Elsbeth PAs have triggered a formal legal process. The NLRB will now determine the appropriate bargaining unit and oversee an election. If a majority of the 28 workers vote in favor of the union, the production company—in this case, CBS Studios—will be legally mandated to engage in collective bargaining with the representatives of LiUNA Local 724.
This process is fraught with potential friction. Historically, studios have been resistant to the expansion of union representation among lower-level employees, often citing the need for "operational flexibility." However, the sheer volume of successful filings in 2024 suggests that the tide of public and industry opinion may be turning in favor of the workers.
Industry Response and Stakeholder Silence
As of the current reporting, representatives for Elsbeth and CBS Studios have not issued an official response to the filing. This silence is common during the early stages of an NLRB petition, as legal counsel for production companies typically advises against public comment while evaluating the viability of the bargaining unit and the potential financial impact of a union contract.
The creators of Elsbeth, Robert and Michelle King, have maintained a reputation for supporting their crew, but they operate within the constraints of the studio system. Industry analysts suggest that the response from the studio will likely be a test of how far the industry is willing to go to maintain the traditional "nonunion" status of the PA role. If CBS chooses to contest the election, it could lead to a protracted legal battle that would serve as a bellwether for future organizing efforts across the city.
The Broader Impact on Media Production
The implications of this movement extend far beyond the set of a single police procedural. If the current wave of PA unionization succeeds, it will force a fundamental restructuring of production budgets. Standardizing wages, benefits, and hours for PAs will increase the overhead of film and television production. While this may be viewed by some as an economic hurdle, advocates argue that it is a necessary cost for maintaining a sustainable workforce.
Furthermore, the involvement of LiUNA suggests that these workers are looking for long-term stability rather than short-term concessions. By building a network of unionized PAs, the movement aims to create a portable benefits system that would allow workers to move from project to project without losing their healthcare or pension accrual.
As the Elsbeth team noted in their statement, their goal is to inspire others to follow suit: "We hope to inspire other PA teams to follow our lead in an effort to protect ourselves as a community against the consolidation of media companies and the inevitable effects that will have on our industry."
Looking Ahead: The Future of Set Labor
The coming months will be critical for the production assistants of Elsbeth. As they await the NLRB’s schedule for a vote, the energy on set and within the broader industry remains high. The success of this initiative could lead to a permanent shift in how television production is staffed, moving away from the precarious, gig-style employment that has defined the role for generations and toward a more equitable model.
Whether the Elsbeth PAs prevail in their bid for recognition remains to be seen, but their actions have already cemented their place in the ongoing debate over the future of labor in the digital age. As media companies continue to grapple with the changing landscape of streaming, AI, and industry consolidation, the voices of those on the ground—the people who actually facilitate the creation of the content—are becoming impossible to ignore. The drive to unionize Elsbeth is a reminder that even in an industry defined by glamour and art, the foundation is built on the labor of people who are demanding a seat at the table.
