"Advancing Justice," Workers March for 1st Contract

In a major victory for the staff of Advancing Justice LA, a nonprofit service organization just west of downtown, well over 100 people marched in a picket outside their building on Wilshire Blvd on Wednesday. The goal was to build awareness in the general public that vital community services the staff provide are on the chopping block, s well as potentially one-third of staff positions.   

Singing and chanting, the workers attracted the attention of countless passers-by, and lots of honking horns in solidarity.  They passed out almost 250 flyers to folks expressing interest in the labor action. They were supported by numerous labor organizations and community allies, who sent representatives to march with us. Among them were: the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA, UNITE-HERE, the Machinists’ Union, the Teamsters, AFSCME Bet Tzedek’s staff union, AFSCME Public Counsel’s staff union, and others. In addition, CA Assembly Member Santiago joined their picket line and expressed his dedication to their cause.

The workers organized a union and affiliated with AFSCME recently, and are currently in negotiations for their first contract with Management. The protest surely added public pressure on Management to negotiate in good faith and to meet the workers' immediate demand of placing a moratorium on service cuts and layoffs pending an agreement.