Attorneys and social workers walk off job at The Bronx Defenders
Attorneys, social workers and administrators in the Bronx have walked off the job forcing some court procedures to be delayed.
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Dozens of staffers at the Bronx Defenders have walked off the job.
The Bronx Defenders Union went on strike to demand what they're calling a "fair contract," which includes higher wages.
“We've been really working hard to avoid the strike, but we are now out on the picket line because management is just not bargaining in good faith,” said Abhi Hu, a staff attorney with The Bronx Defenders and member of the collective bargaining committee of the Bronx Defenders Union.
Contract negotiations started back in April. The contract expired on June 30.
Since then, the union hasn't aligned with management over new contract agreements and members have now walked out.
“Management has only made two wage proposals since the beginning of the contract negotiations,” Hu said.
“We're not trying to be the highest paid attorneys or the highest paid law firm," said Samantha Espada, a criminal defense practice attorney and Bronx Defenders Union chapter chair. "What we're trying to do is to be on par with our colleagues, other public defenders in New York City, and to be able to maintain that.”
This is the second year in a row The Bronx Defenders Union has gone on strike. have been on strike. Last year was over wages, compared to this year's renegotiation of their contracts.
“It's not just about pay this time. It's about dignity for all workers,” Hu said.
The workers on strike include attorneys, social workers and administrative staff.
In a statement, Juval O. Scott, the executive director of the Bronx Defenders, wrote in part, “Everyone at the Bronx Defenders is a public defender…and all deserve to be paid more than they are today. We agree with unionized staff on that fundamental principle. Where we differ is on how to use the limited funding available to us fairly and responsibly at this moment. Although the union did not accept our package, we will continue working toward an agreement that honors our staff, strengthens holistic defense, and protects the quality of representation the people of the Bronx deserve.”
