(NEW YORK CITY) - The Public Defender Union representing hundreds of Attorneys and Staff across Brooklyn and Queens have walked off the job after a 21-hour marathon bargaining session this week failed to result in a contract agreement. The Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) Union represents around 500 Staff, including 280 Attorneys - as well as Social Workers, Investigators, Paralegals and Support Staff who provide services to Brooklyn and Queens residents in Criminal, Family, Housing and Immigration Court. “Despite significant compromises from the Union, management refused terms that would ensure our lowest-paid Staff can sustain themselves and their families,” Maria Gorman and Andrew Eichen, Brooklyn Defender Services Union Co-Chairs, wrote in a statement. The Union posted the following on Instagram: We are striking we believe our clients deserve Advocates who can afford to stay in this work. Too many BDS Staffers burn out and leave, taking years of trust and case knowledge with them. Sustained, quality representation requires sustainable jobs. Our Members don’t deserve unlivable pay and overbearing, ruthless management and our City cannot afford the consequences of their continuance. That is what we are fighting for.

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: Brooklyn Defender Services union goes on strike — Queens Daily Eagle