The Film Industry's Last Non-Union Job: Production Assistants Seek To Unionize

Grassroots Movement Partners With LiUNA Local 724 To Revolutionize The Film And TV Industry

The Hollywood labor landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation as production assistants (PAs) across the nation gear up to unionize. In a groundbreaking move, the Hollywood branch of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Local 724, has partnered with Production Assistants United, a grassroots group aiming to bring one of the last non-unionized crew roles on entertainment sets into the fold. This effort could radically alter the industry’s entry-level job market and provide a more equitable pathway for aspiring creatives.

A Historic Partnership with LiUNA

The unionization effort, announced by Alex Aguilar Jr., business manager of LiUNA Local 724, aims to organize various PA roles — including set production assistants, office production assistants, art production assistants, assistants, and production secretaries — across the country. Traditionally, these positions have been seen as stepping stones for early-career creatives willing to "pay their dues" in the entertainment industry. However, the often harsh and low-paying nature of these roles has led to a push for change.

LiUNA, which already represents around 1,800 utility workers in the film and television industry — including electricians, carpenters, and other trades — is throwing its weight behind this bold initiative. “They’re a lot like us,” said Aguilar at a Labor Day parade in Los Angeles, highlighting the shared experiences between union members and PAs, who often handle the unglamorous but essential tasks that keep productions running smoothly.

The Rise of Production Assistants United

Production Assistants United was born out of the broader wave of labor actions sweeping Hollywood in recent years. The group’s founding members met on the picket lines during actors’ and writers’ strikes, recognizing a unique opportunity to advocate for their own rights. The grassroots movement quickly gained momentum, using platforms like Discord and Instagram to connect with PAs nationwide and organizing town halls and events to spread their message.

The turning point came when LiUNA reached out to the group during a crew solidarity event in March. “As they started to amplify their presence in Hollywood specifically during the strikes, I started to take notice,” Aguilar said. The partnership was seen as mutually beneficial: LiUNA could expand its membership, and the PAs could gain the recognition, resources, and respect they’ve long deserved.

Unionization Goals: Fair Pay, Health Insurance, and Career Advancement

The unionization drive seeks to address several critical issues faced by production assistants, who often work long hours for minimum wage without the benefits afforded to other unionized crew members. The goals include raising wages, instituting union-provided health insurance, creating enforceable turnaround times, and establishing grievance procedures to protect workers’ rights on set.

Perhaps most ambitiously, the union aims to create “structured pathways” for career advancement, ensuring that PAs are not stuck in entry-level roles indefinitely. According to founding member Clio Byrne-Gudding, the vision is to provide resources and support so that anyone, regardless of background, can advance in the industry. “We want to change this industry from the bottom up,” Byrne-Gudding emphasized, aiming to break down barriers that have historically made the industry accessible primarily to those with privileged backgrounds.

Challenges Ahead but Optimism Prevails

The timing of this effort comes as Hollywood continues to grapple with financial pressures, with major studios cutting costs and production still struggling to rebound in Los Angeles. Despite these challenges, organizers remain optimistic about their chances of success. Armed with the support of LiUNA, they are compiling a nationwide list of active production assistants to gauge enthusiasm for the unionization effort.

Founding member Ethan Ravens expressed confidence in the movement’s momentum: “It’s a new chapter in our organizing effort with the strength of LiUNA. We are so confident that we are going to get our union.” This sentiment is echoed by Byrne-Gudding, who believes that the push for unionization could lead to lasting changes in the entertainment industry: “We are going to win, and we are going to radically change this industry.”

The partnership between LiUNA Local 724 and Production Assistants United marks a significant step toward labor equity in Hollywood. As the movement grows, it holds the potential to redefine how early-career creatives enter and progress within the industry, ensuring that opportunities are available to a diverse and dedicated workforce.

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Source: Hollywood Reporter

Photo Credit: AI