Community Organizations Rally Behind Striking Legal Services Workers
The unionized employees of Mobilization for Justice, Inc. (MFJ) are wrapping up the third week of their strike for a fair contract and against MFJ's unfair labor practices. On February 23, 93% of voting MFJ Union members rejected management’s contract offer and declared an indefinite strike. Since then, Union members have picketed regularly outside of MFJ’s offices as well as Bronx and Manhattan Housing Courts. Many elected officials, sibling unions, clients, and other supporters have joined the MFJ Union on the picket line. This week, the MFJ Union specially invited community organizations to participate to highlight how MFJ management’s actions are negatively impacting clients and communities.
“MFJ Management’s refusal to give its staff a fair contract doesn’t just hurt us. It harms every nonprofit worker struggling to meet the heavy demands of our jobs,” said Brian Sullivan, a Union Delegate and Senior Staff Attorney with MFJ. “When one nonprofit organization grossly undercuts the needs of its staff, it has a rippling effect across our community partners by perpetuating the myth that less money is needed to provide the same services. In reality, shortchanging staff who work on the frontlines only leads to burnout and higher attrition.”
Service providers across New York City receive funding through the same or similar sources, such as the City’s landmark Universal Access to Counsel (UAC) program, which provides free legal services to low-income New Yorkers facing eviction. In FY2023, MFJ received approximately $9.3 million dollars in UAC funding as part of the organization’s $24.2 million income. Despite MFJ’s robust funding and fiscal health, it has experienced unprecedented staff attrition, losing 23 staff members in the past year. This staffing issue has affected MFJ staff who must cover their departing colleagues’ workloads, other community organizations who have to try to fill the gaps in MFJ’s capacity, and especially New Yorkers who need services.
“Overworked and underpaid staff struggle to effectively serve their clients,” said Tara Joy, a Housing Intake Specialist with MFJ. “These staff cannot meaningfully collaborate with community organizers who directly impact our clients’ lives. This strike sets the record straight: we all need fair wages and strong benefits to continue fighting for our communities.”
MFJ Union members are part of the Legal Services Staff Association (LSSA) 2320, a “wall-to-wall” union representing support staff, paralegals, attorneys, and other non-management employees. Follow the union here for updates including upcoming picket schedules!