In a landmark decision, production assistants of the Netflix series 'The Four Seasons' in New York have voted to unionize, marking a pivotal achievement for the Production Assistants United movement. This success signifies a growing trend within the entertainment industry to improve working conditions and secure fair compensation for crew members across the country.
New York Production Assistants Triumph in Union Vote for 'The Four Seasons'
On January 23, 2026, a significant labor development unfolded in New York as production assistants for the Netflix production, 'The Four Seasons,' successfully voted to unionize. The election, conducted under the supervision of the National Labor Relations Board, concluded with 19 votes in favor of joining Production Assistants United, with only one vote against. A total of 34 individuals were eligible to participate in this decisive ballot.
Jenny Rich, a production assistant on 'The Four Seasons,' expressed immense pride in their collective organizing efforts, emphasizing that this victory represents a crucial step towards fostering workplaces that genuinely value employee well-being. This sentiment resonates deeply with the union's core demands for fundamental protections and equitable treatment. The popular Netflix series, produced by Universal Television and conceived by Tina Fey, chronicles the lives of a group of married companions whose regular seasonal getaways are disrupted by a marital separation. The show boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Will Forte, and Colman Domingo.
This unionization success comes months after the production assistants publicly announced their intent to align with Production Assistants United, an organization affiliated with the Hollywood labor group LiUNA Local 724. At that time, many PAs voiced their desire for benefits akin to their unionized counterparts, such as healthcare coverage and reimbursement for travel expenses like tolls and mileage. Rich underscored that their requests are fundamentally basic and common practice for the majority of film crew members. They aspire to earn a living wage commensurate with hours worked and to benefit from the comprehensive protections a union provides.
Since its affiliation with LiUNA Local 724 in 2024, the Production Assistants United initiative has celebrated several union victories in other states, including California (for productions like 'The Pitt,' 'Abbott Elementary,' and 'All American, George & Mandy’s First Marriage') and Illinois (for 'Chicago Fire'). Ethan Ravens, an organizer for the movement, stated that this recent win unequivocally demonstrates the campaign's expanding reach across various regions and sectors of the entertainment industry.
This triumph for production assistants on 'The Four Seasons' underscores the increasing demand for fair labor practices and improved working conditions within the entertainment industry. It highlights the power of collective action in advocating for equitable treatment and a more sustainable career path for essential crew members. This movement serves as a potent reminder that every role, no matter how seemingly minor, contributes significantly to a production's success and deserves proper recognition and protection.