Lawyers for low-income clients strike in NYC
Staff at Brooklyn Defender Services and Queens Defenders walked off the job Thursday morning after failing to agree on wages and benefits. (Image from Shutterstock)
Lawyers, paralegals, social workers and other staff at Brooklyn Defender Services and Queens Defenders walked off the job Thursday morning, in a move that could potentially affect criminal, housing and family court cases for low-income clients in the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens.
Approximately 500 lawyers and staff are involved in the walkout after failing to reach a deal with management on wages and benefits before an 8 a.m. strike deadline, according to a report by The City Reporter.
The Association of Legal Aid Attorneys UAW Local 2325 has been pushing for raises, more sick days, the return of its remote-work policy and better benefits. While the workers are striking, they did not picket Thursday due to poor air quality in the area resulting from the Canadian wildfires.
A spokesperson for the state Office of Court Administration said that courts remain operational and open “for now,” according to The City Reporter.
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