Star David Eigenberg publicly backs the PAs, warning NBC that a strike could halt production on the show’s upcoming season.
NBC’s long-running firefighter drama “Chicago Fire” is scheduled to return for its 15th season on October 7, 2026. But an ongoing labour dispute involving the show’s production assistants has created uncertainty about whether that date will hold.
Production assistants on “Chicago Fire” and its sister series “Chicago Med” unionized in late 2025 and early 2026. They ratified their first union contract in July 2026. But shortly after, the PAs say NBCUniversal eliminated long-standing 12-hour and 14-hour daily work guarantees. The union claims this has led to a 43% drop in weekly take-home pay for some workers.
David Eigenberg Issues a Warning to NBC
David Eigenberg, who plays Christopher Herrmann on the series, has spoken out in support of the production assistants. The actor posted an Instagram story directly addressing NBCUniversal.
“It is a shame that you have gone after our hard-working PA Union. These people have worked so hard and for so little all these generations, and they ask for a little something, and you stick it to them. I hope for your sake they don’t go on strike. You’re gonna have a problem that you created.”
Eigenberg’s comments have drawn attention because it is unusual for a lead actor to publicly criticise their own network. His warning suggests that the dispute could escalate into a strike, which would halt production on “Chicago Fire” Season 15.
What the Production Assistants Are Asking For
Production assistants are among the lowest-paid workers on a television set. They earn $19.93 per hour, just above Chicago’s minimum wage of $17.05. Their workdays typically run 12 to 14 hours, with overtime pay after eight hours.
The 12-hour and 14-hour daily guarantees provided PAs with overtime pay that made their income livable. Without these guarantees, some PAs have seen their weekly pay drop significantly.
Alex Aguilar, business manager of LIUNA Local 724, which represents the PAs, said in a statement:
“Production Assistants are among the lowest-paid workers in television production. Workers should not lose the income they have historically relied upon simply because they chose to unionize. These guarantees have existed for years because they provide the livable income that production assistants depend on to support themselves and their families.”
The union has also pointed out that production assistants on “Chicago P.D.” — the third show in the One Chicago franchise — have not unionised and have kept their 12-hour guarantees. According to Aguilar, those PAs even received a 3% raise recently.
How We Got Here
Production assistants on “Chicago Fire” voted to unionise in a National Labor Relations Board election in late 2025. They were the first show shot in Chicago to win such an election for production assistants. Their colleagues on “Chicago Med” followed in February 2026.
The two groups ratified their first union contracts in July 2026. The contracts offered wage increases, access to union healthcare, and career development committees. But the union says the production company then cut the hourly guarantees that had been in place for years.
The union has not yet filed an unfair labour practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. But it has taken its concerns public, including erecting banners and an inflatable “Scabby the Rat” outside production locations.
NBCUniversal has declined to comment on the dispute.
What This Means for Season 15
For now, “Chicago Fire” Season 15 remains scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. The show will air in its usual Wednesday night slot. Episodes will be available to stream on Peacock the following day.
But the situation remains unresolved. If the dispute escalates into a strike, production could be halted. That would likely push back the premiere date, as happened during the writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023.
Other Changes Coming in Season 15
Even if the season premieres on time, Firehouse 51 will look different.
Joe Miñoso, who has played Joe Cruz since the first season, is leaving the show early in Season 15. He will appear in a few episodes at the start of the season to wrap up his character’s arc.
Dermot Mulroney, who joined as Chief Dom Pascal in Season 14, is also departing early in the new season. He has said he will appear in only one episode.
Andrea Newman, the showrunner for 14 seasons, will not return for Season 15. Victor Teran takes over as showrunner.
New cast members include Da’Vinchi (“All American”), who joins as a new firefighter.
The season will pick up from the Season 14 finale cliffhanger, which left multiple characters in danger after a brutal fire at a storage facility.
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A Developing Story
The labour dispute involving the production assistants on “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago Med” is still developing. No strike has been called yet. But with a key cast member publicly supporting the PAs and the union showing no signs of backing down, the situation bears watching.
For viewers, the question is simple: Will “Chicago Fire” Season 15 arrive on October 7 as planned, or will labour tensions push it back? The answer depends on whether NBCUniversal and the union can find common ground before production is disrupted.
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For more updates on “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” and other television news, stay with VvipTimes for the latest developments.
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