NY Legal Workers' Strike Gains Support from Local Politicians and Leaders

Legal Workers in New York Reach Agreements Amidst Strikes

NEW YORK—In a recent development, nearly 1,850 legal services employees affiliated with the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys—UAW Local 2325 (ALAA)—have secured tentative agreements following a series of impactful strikes and ongoing public advocacy. However, members at CAMBA Legal Services, Goddard Riverside Law Project, and Urban Justice Center continue their strike. Meanwhile, workers at other organizations, including the Legal Aid Society, New York Legal Assistance Group, Bronx Defenders, Office of the Appellate Defender, and the Center for Appellate Litigation, are currently voting on tentative accords.

This week saw political figures from neighborhoods served by the striking organizations lend their support through two open letters. One was directed at CAMBA, while the other was sent to Goddard Riverside.

The letter to CAMBA was addressed to President and CEO Valerie Barton-Richardson and Chief Legal Officer Elizabeth Miller, with senior executives and board members in copy. Spearheaded by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, it carries the signatures of 26 elected officials, including NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jabari Brisport.

In parallel, the letter to Goddard Riverside reached Roderick L. Jones, the organization's President. This initiative, led by Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Democratic Nominee for Manhattan Borough President, includes endorsements from all Manhattan west side elected officials.

ALAA members are instrumental in providing essential legal aid daily, covering areas such as eviction defense, immigration, child welfare and custody, domestic violence support, and access to healthcare and disability benefits.

Faced with decades of underfunding, these legal workers are advocating for equitable pay, sufficient resources, and workforce stability to mitigate burnout and turnover—factors crucial for maintaining high-quality client representation. Their demands underscore the necessity for wage improvements and workload safeguards to ensure robust advocacy for working-class New Yorkers, enabling union members to remain in roles they are passionate about.

With the rising cost of living and stagnant city legal service funding, efforts persist to guarantee comprehensive access to justice for all New Yorkers, especially those in working-class communities disproportionately impacted by previous federal policies.