BROOKLYN DEFENDER SERVICES UNION WINS NLRB ELECTION IN LANDSLIDE
Brooklyn, NY — Today, the staff at Brooklyn Defender Services (“BDS”) resoundingly confirmed their desire to form a wall-to-wall union and enter into contract negotiations with their employer. This election was the culmination of over a year-long effort during which a supermajority of non-managerial workers across practice areas and roles signed cards indicating their support for the BDS Union. Today’s election reaffirmed that widespread support with over 71% of staff choosing the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) - UAW Local 2325 as their bargaining representatives. We now officially begin the next phase of the unionization process: bargaining for a strong, fair contract.
“It is very inspiring to see an overwhelming majority of my colleagues come together to affirm that we can make BDS an even better workplace so that we can even better serve our clients. This tremendous victory through the collective action of our colleagues across roles and practice areas epitomizes the spirit of public defense — that all of us are needed, that every voice is vital, as we work toward a more just society.” - Andrew Lyubarsky, Attorney in the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project
Throughout this past year, the staff at BDS had the opportunity to reflect on what a unionized BDS would mean for our shared workplace. Many staff identified changes to our workplace that would improve our well-being, and many highlighted aspects of our organization that we like as is. What became clear was that all of us were deeply invested in BDS and all staff members wanted a workplace that works for each of them.
With that in mind, the outcome of today’s vote guarantees each non-managerial staff member a say in the conditions of our workplace and employment. Each employee now has the opportunity to secure the aspects of BDS they enjoy in a contract, and to work together to bargain for the betterment of our workplace. In the following weeks, all non-managerial staff will be invited to begin the democratic process of structuring our BDS Union, beginning with the organization and election of a Bargaining Committee. Once elected, our Bargaining Committee will lead staff in identifying our collective goals and make sure that BDS Management meets our needs in a contract.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter at BDS, one in which we get to be active participants in shaping the organization whose work and clients we care deeply about. This victory ensures that everyone at BDS has the means to address the conditions in our workplace. By organizing ourselves and working directly with management on a contract, I know we will build a better BDS together.” - Rita Akincilar, Social Work Assistant in the Family Defense Practice
We are excited to start building our union together as a staff and to partner with the ALAA to advocate for ourselves and our clients. We hope BDS Management will come to the bargaining table with the same commitment and excitement, because a BDS that is responsive to the voices of its staff is a BDS that ultimately better serves our clients.
“I'm so thankful for the efforts and consideration of all of my fellow staff members that brought us here today. I look forward to us staff meeting management at the bargaining table to create a contract that best addresses employees’ needs across practice areas and roles. I’m grateful to be in solidarity with my co-workers at this pivotal moment, as well as the other unionized public defender offices across the city which make up the membership of the ALAA. By working in tandem, we can achieve a healthier workplace and better outcomes for our clients.” - Michael Way, Social Worker in the Criminal Defense Practice
“We congratulate the workers of BDS in successfully forming their union, which will allow them to better serve their colleagues, clients, and the community. Continuing to organize and unionize workers at public defense offices will only improve the working conditions and the services we provide to our clients. Five out of the six trial-level public defense offices in New York City have now courageously formed unions to change the playing field for public defenders. We are so excited to welcome the BDS Union as the newest chapter of ALAA.” - Lisa Ohta, President of the Association of the Legal Aid Attorneys - UAW Local 2325.
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