New Speaker Required to Maintain Fairness with Council Union

As members of the New York City Council, along with leaders from nonprofit organizations and labor unions, convene at the SOMOS conference in Puerto Rico, a significant conversation is unfolding concerning the selection of the next City Council speaker. However, an influential group remains absent from this dialogue: the dedicated staff of the City Council who are integral to its daily operations.

The Association of Legislative Employees (ALE), representing over 400 staff members, plays a critical role in the functioning of the Council. These individuals are responsible for responding to the needs of New Yorkers, researching and drafting essential legislation, facilitating connections to city services, and analyzing the city’s substantial 6 billion budget. Despite their pivotal role in sustaining local democracy, Council staff frequently find themselves marginalized in discussions that directly impact their working conditions, job security, and overall agency.

The new speaker will not only lead the Council but will also have the opportunity to rebuild trust and enhance morale among its staff. ALE does not endorse any specific candidate but emphasizes the necessity for collaboration that results in a robust contract, improved working conditions, and a more equitable Council that genuinely appreciates the workforce sustaining its operations.

ALE has articulated several pressing demands as part of their campaign to improve working conditions and uphold employee rights.

One primary concern is the organization’s “Save Our Jobs” initiative, aimed at shielding employees from a potentially adversarial 60-day probationary reset set to commence in January. This campaign seeks to prevent retaliation against workers who have raised legitimate grievances or have been engaged with union activities during the impending reorganization period. As such, they urge the next speaker to uphold due process and clearly state policies against retaliation.

Another critical issue is the stagnation of member office budgets, which have remained unchanged since 2022 despite rising operational costs. With nearly 25% of staff positions currently vacant, the Council faces challenges in hiring, maintaining institutional knowledge, and effectively servicing constituents. ALE insists that adequate budgeting is not merely a matter of fiscal convenience; it is essential for the functionality of government.

Additionally, the safety of Council staff is paramount. Many employees report experiencing increasing incidents of harassment and threats, often without adequate security measures in place. This lack of basic protections compromises their safety and well-being, necessitating immediate action to create secure work environments.

While some improvements have been made to working conditions under the current Council leadership, unresolved issues of bullying and mismanagement of overtime remain persistent challenges. With staff vacancy rates approaching 23%, low morale, and burnout becoming commonplace, it is crucial for the Council to prioritize the well-being of its employees to retain talent and fulfill its legislative mandates.

Throughout the past year and a half, ALE has demonstrated resilience by advocating for its members while continuing to serve the public diligently. The commitment of ALE members, who work tirelessly for the City Council, hinges on the agency’s potential to evolve into a paragon of transparent and ethical governance. However, this potential may erode if staff voices continue to be overlooked.

As the Council gears up for a change in leadership, the next speaker must recognize that the workforce extends beyond the elected officials. It includes the ALE members whose dedication underpins the legislative agenda of New York City. Ensuring their inclusion in decision-making processes is critical to advancing effective governance and fostering a robust organizational culture.

The moment calls for a comprehensive approach that respects and values the contributions of all individuals involved in the operation of the City Council. The leadership transition represents a pivotal opportunity to address these concerns and pave the way for a collaborative, equitable future within the Council.