The Bronx Defenders and Unionized Staff Finalize New Collective Bargaining Agreement, Strengthening Zealous Representation in the Bronx

Contact: media@bronxdefenders.org 

The Bronx, NY – After three months of bargaining, The Bronx Defenders and the union representing a majority of staff at the organization – the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys-UAW Local 2325 – have finalized a collective bargaining agreement that increases wages for all BxD employees, creates a fair and flexible hybrid work policy, and strengthens zealous representation for people in the Bronx. 

“I am proud of where we landed in this agreement, and I am confident that it will help us better defend the people we represent,” said Wesley Caines, Interim Executive Director of The Bronx Defenders. “The agreement we reached involves significant compromises, but what was never compromised was the commitment on both sides to reaching a deal that centers the needs of the Bronx community and ensures our staff are compensated fairly for their work. I want to thank the union for their tireless efforts on behalf of our unionized staff.” 

The collective bargaining agreement begins July 1, 2024, and runs through June 30, 2026. Over that 2-year period, all unionized staff at BxD will receive on average at least an 8% increase in wages, a phased in hybrid-work policy that provides remote work flexibility, and other health and leave benefits to ensure the well-being of staff and continuity of the work.

“The staff at The Bronx Defenders care deeply about our mission, and this agreement reflects that fact,” said Earl Ward, Chair of the Board of The Bronx Defenders. “On behalf of the Board, I want to commend BxD’s management and the union’s collective bargaining committee for negotiating in good faith and never forgetting that this agreement was as much about creating stability for the people of the Bronx as it was for the workers. A new era of defense is around the corner, and BxD will lead the way.” 

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