The Federal Defenders of New York staff have announced their intention to unionize, aligning themselves with the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys (ALAA). This move includes 22 staff members, such as investigators, social workers, interpreters, and administrative personnel, joining their attorney peers who have been with the ALAA since 2005. Paralegals at the organization are already represented by 1199SEIU.
The staff seek enhanced job security, transparency, fair wages, and benefits, aiming to skip a National Labor Relations Board election to directly negotiate with management. ALAA’s financial secretary-treasurer, Leah W. Duncan, emphasized the staff’s indispensable role in supporting FDNY clients and urged management to engage in equitable negotiations.
The new bargaining unit, if recognized, will be part of over 3,400 workers under the ALAA umbrella. The Federal Defenders of New York operate in Manhattan, White Plains, Central Islip, and Brooklyn.