The New York City Council’s unionized staff is preparing to rally on Wednesday to demand higher wages.
The Association of Legislative Employees, which launched in 2019 to represent hundreds of City Council staffers, is asking Speaker Adrienne Adams to provide a “living wage” to Council employees. The union says 45% of aides currently earn less than $55,000 a year.
“Staff are asking for fairness from an institution that prides itself on its progressive values,” the union said in a press release.
The ALE also blamed high staff turnover at the City Council on low wages they say come at a third less than what other city workers performing similar functions make.
In 2016, councilmembers voted to give themselves a 32% raise, bringing legislator salaries to $148,500. But their staffers say their wages have stagnated amid inflation and soaring real estate prices.
"Council staff play a foundational role in this legislative body’s operations, and their continued hard work and dedication to public service are valued," said Breeana Mulligan, a Council spokesperson. "We continue to negotiate in good faith with the Association of Legislative Employees."
“We are public servants struggling to survive in one of the most expensive cities in the world,” the rally flier reads.
In a 2022 message from the union's executive board to its members, the ALE set a minimum of $75,000 as an acceptable salary and demanded it be paid over time.
According to the ALE, they are the largest legislative staff union in the country, representing nearly 400 aides and analysts.
This story has been updated to include comment from a spokesperson for City Council.
