MFJ Union Strike Hits Ten-Week Milestone, Marking Longest NYC Legal Services Walkout Since 1991

After weeks of escalating tactics, the unionized workers of Mobilization for Justice (MFJ) have forced management’s movement on key contract demands. However, union members say management still needs to take significant steps to resolve the ten-week-long strike, which is now the longest in New York City legal services history since the early 1990s.

“The last two weeks have caused more movement from Management at the bargaining table than we've seen in the past two months,” said Ella Abeo, a MFJ Union Bargaining Team Member and Paralegal. “Now, as we head into the tenth week of our strike with three negotiation sessions scheduled with Management, we’re hopeful for real progress. But our optimism is tempered as we still question Management’s commitment to ending this strike.”

As the strike continues to harm MFJ clients and staff alike, the Union has intensified efforts to secure a fair contract swiftly. In recent weeks, striking workers picketed outside the residences of key Management Bargaining Team members, including Director of Compliance Anu Garfield’s $2.05 million-dollar home in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, Director of Housing Litigation Elise Brown’s apartment in the Lower East Side, Manhattan, and Executive Director Tiffany Liston’s secluded residence in North Riverdale in The Bronx. Additionally, Union members called on MFJ’s Board of Directors and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to join the boycott of MFJ’s annual gala, urging them not to donate, attend, or otherwise support the event.

In a bold stance reflecting the growing discontent with MFJ Management, former Attorney General Holder announced that he would refuse to cross the striking workers’ picket line, declining attendance at the upcoming annual gala where he was slated to appear as an honoree. Holder affirmed his commitment in a statement: “Although I am honored to be recognized by Mobilization for Justice, I will not, as I have stated in the past, cross a picket line to attend the ceremony.” Read more here.