Bronx Defenders Union to Strike Over Unfair Labor Practices July 2024

Bronx Defenders Union Authorizes Unfair Labor Practice Strike

Bronx, NY – On July 2, 2024, one day after the contract between The Bronx Defenders (BxD) and its union, The Bronx Defenders Union–UAW Local 2325 (BxD Union), expired, BxD Union’s Bargaining Committee voted for an unlimited Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike beginning the week of July 22, 2024.

This strike authorization follows months of unsuccessful bargaining attempts with BxD’s executive management. BxD’s failure to bargain in good faith—a recognized unfair labor practice—left BxD Union with no choice.

“For six months, our Bargaining Committee has worked endlessly to meet our 260 members' demands. BxD Management’s refusal to bargain fairly shows they don’t support the Bronx communities we defend,” said Tyler Johnson, Bronx native, Civil Legal Advocate, and Bargaining Committee member. “We’re prepared to demonstrate the value of our labor and the power of our collective solidarity. We won’t be intimidated. We’re ready to strike.”

On June 27, 2024, with 93% participation, 93% of BxD Union authorized the Bargaining Committee to call for a strike. This makes BxD Union the first alternate provider to authorize a strike in thirty years since the Legal Aid Society under Mayor Giuliani.

BxD Union members face challenges as some of the lowest-paid public defenders in New York City, dealing with high turnover and heavy caseloads. The strike aims to protest BxD’s unfair labor practices and demand competitive salaries, no benefit rollbacks, a one-year contract, and key noneconomic benefits like free speech and sustainable working conditions.

BxD Union is ready to return to the bargaining table to avoid the strike. BxD’s management can prevent the disruption of client services by agreeing to BxD Union’s reasonable contractual framework.