The upcoming 15th season of NBC’s hit first-responder drama Chicago Fire is facing an uncertain start. Series star David Eigenberg, who plays Christopher Herrmann, has publicly warned that the show could be delayed if a growing conflict between the network and unionized production assistants is not resolved.
Eigenberg took to Instagram on August 8 to voice his concerns, directly calling on NBC to treat its production staff fairly. His message came as the union representing production assistants on Chicago Fire and Chicago Med reported that guaranteed work hours had been cut after workers ratified their first labor contracts.
Eigenberg’s Social Media Plea to NBC
In an Instagram Story shared over the weekend, Eigenberg did not hold back. He wrote:
“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.”
The post made Eigenberg the first core cast member from the One Chicago franchise to publicly support the production assistants’ union. His comments added significant weight to an already tense situation, given his long-standing role on the series since its debut in 2012.
What Production Assistants Are Fighting For
The dispute centers on production assistants working on Chicago Fire and Chicago Med. According to the union LiUNA Local 724, which represents dozens of production assistants on both shows, workers previously had guaranteed 12-hour and 14-hour workdays. These long hours meant significant overtime pay on top of their base hourly wage of $19.93.
But after the production assistants voted to unionize—Chicago Fire workers held their election in late 2025, followed by Chicago Med in February 2026—and ratified their first contracts in July, those hourly guarantees disappeared.
The result has been devastating for many workers. The union reports that some production assistants on Chicago Fire have seen their weekly take-home pay drop by 43 percent.
LiUNA Local 724 business manager Alex Aguilar issued a strong statement on the matter:
“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 Production Assistants depend on to support themselves and their families. We are committed to protecting those standards.”
The union also claims that when representatives reached out to NBCUniversal to address the issue, the company reportedly said the previous hour guarantees would not be restored. NBCUniversal has declined to comment publicly on the matter.
The Scabby the Rat Protests
The labor dispute has moved beyond social media. LiUNA Local 724 staged informational pickets outside production locations for Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, erecting banners and a “Scabby the Rat” inflatable—a well-known union protest symbol.
The union further alleges that a sister show, Chicago P.D., which is not unionized with LiUNA Local 724, has retained its 12-hour guarantees and even gave production assistants a three percent raise. This disparity has only added to the frustration among Chicago Fire and Chicago Med workers.
Could a Strike Really Delay Chicago Fire Season 15?
Eigenberg’s warning about a potential strike is not empty rhetoric. If production assistants on both shows walk out, the impact on production would be immediate and severe. Production assistants handle essential behind-the-scenes tasks that keep a television set running smoothly—from logistics to supporting various departments. Without them, filming cannot proceed as scheduled.
As Eigenberg noted, a strike would create “a problem that you created” for NBC. The actor’s words carry particular weight given that he is one of only three remaining original cast members on Chicago Fire, alongside Taylor Kinney and Christian Stolte.
Related: Steven Weber Says Chicago Fire and Med Crossover Is Happening Soon, Shares Filming Details
Chicago Fire Season 15 Premiere Date Still Set—For Now
Despite the labor unrest, NBC has officially scheduled Chicago Fire season 15 to premiere on October 7, 2026, as part of the network’s fall lineup. The show will air at 9 p.m. ET/PT, following Chicago Med and preceding Chicago P.D..
However, if the production assistants follow through on a strike, that date could be in jeopardy. Eigenberg’s warning suggests that the season might be “delayed indefinitely” if the situation is not resolved. In that scenario, Chicago P.D. season 14 would be the only One Chicago show to premiere on time.
Cast Changes Already Shaking Up Season 15
The labor dispute is not the only challenge facing Chicago Fire’s upcoming season. The show is already dealing with significant cast departures.
Joe Miñoso, who has played Joe Cruz since the series began, is leaving the show. His exit means only three original cast members remain: Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide), David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann), and Christian Stolte (who started as a recurring guest star in season one).
Additionally, Dermot Mulroney, who joined the cast in season 14 as Dom Pascal, will also be leaving early in season 15. The season will need to address the fallout from the season 14 finale while writing out these characters.
Related:
What Happens Next?
The union has not yet filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. But the situation remains fluid, and with Eigenberg’s public statement, pressure on NBCUniversal is likely to increase.
For now, fans can only wait and watch. The October 7 premiere date remains on the calendar, but as Eigenberg made clear, that could change if the network does not address the production assistants’ concerns.
The coming weeks will be critical. If NBC and the union cannot reach an agreement, the One Chicago Wednesday lineup—a staple of the network’s fall schedule—could look very different this year.
Also Read: Marvel and Star Wars Finally Unite for First-Ever Comic Crossover ‘Hope Assembles’
Stay updated with the latest entertainment news and behind-the-scenes developments at VvipTimes. Bookmark us for breaking stories from your favorite shows.
Leave a Reply