Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem

Public defenders in the Bronx and Harlem, represented by UAW Local 2325, are on strike over disputes involving pay raises, benefits, and healthcare costs. The union accuses management of offering higher raises to attorneys than social workers and forcing staff to contribute to healthcare, while negotiations remain stalled despite a $32 million funding increase for legal aid organizations.

NYC public defender unions, including Bronx Defenders and Brooklyn Defender Services, are demanding wage increases and better benefits as they negotiate contracts expiring June 30, the same day the city budget is due. The Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys (ALAA) seeks $80 million to achieve pay parity with federal public defenders and has warned of potential strikes if demands are not met.