In a significant development for public interest attorneys and advocates in the New York City metro area, eight chapters of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) have voted to authorize strikes. This move forms part of their broader sectoral bargaining strategy, which they hope will result in more favorable agreements with management. The unions involved include chapters from organizations such as the Center for Appellate Litigation, Urban Justice Center, and Legal Aid Society, among others.
Participation rates in the voting process were staggeringly high, with “yes” votes ranging from 88% to 100%. The Bronx Defenders have also joined the trend, with 97% of participants voting in favor of the strike. This collective action comes in the wake of collective bargaining agreements covering over 2,000 union members expiring at the end of June.
The ALAA, affiliated with the United Auto Workers and representing chapters at over 30 nonprofits, seeks to leverage its strength through coordinated action. Legal aid workers at different levels have voiced concerns over caseloads and economic issues. The full details are available in the original article from Law360.