UAW Legal Worker Union Approves Contract, Ends 13-Week Strike
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- 72% of union members at Mobilization for Justice voted to approve the contract offer, ending a three-month strike.
- The agreement includes significant raises, full-time positions for initially temporary workers, and enhanced disciplinary case procedures.
- The union preserved its health care plan, retained the right to veto management changes, and ensured no reductions in sick leave and vacation accrual.
72% of Union Members At Mobilization For Justice Ratify New Contract Offer
New York, NY – Union members at Mobilization for Justice (MFJ) overwhelmingly ratified a contract offer from MFJ Management, concluding the longest NYC legal services strike since 1991. The new agreement, pending MFJ Board ratification, comes with significant victories, including double-digit wage increases for the lowest paid workers.
Union Bargaining Team member and paralegal Ella Abeo expressed necessity for the strike. “After presenting our contract demands last November, Management responded with antagonistic counter-offers and violated their duty to bargain in good faith. Striking was our only means of compelling them to respect MFJ's mission."
Pressuring MFJ’s funders and stakeholders led to Management meeting several Union demands. These include a starting base salary of $60,000, a 17% raise for administrative staff, a 13% raise for paralegals, and an 18% raise for law graduates. Other staff, including attorneys and specialists, will see a 4% increase in 2024. Unionized staff will also receive 3% annual raises for 2025 and 2026, along with a one-time ratification bonus.
The strike resulted in enhanced protections for the Union’s most vulnerable members. Offered are full-time union positions to two workers initially employed through temp agencies. The agreement also ensures improved due process for disciplinary cases and equitable remote work policies.
Union members managed to retain their healthcare plan with no premiums and the right to veto Management changes. Moreover, there were no concessions on sick leave and vacation accrival.
Union members employed direct actions, boycotts, and picketing to push Management towards a fair agreement. Abeo noted, “This strike proves that a united workforce can achieve victory.”
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