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Testimony of Saul Fishman, President of the Civil Service Bar Association, on behalf of the Civil Service Bar Association and Teamsters Local 237, with which CSBA is affiliated – submitted to the NYC Council Committee on Civil Service and Labor, November 20, 2020

As previously expressed on our Facebook page [CSBA Attorneys, 6/01/2020], this union of approximately one thousand NYC government Agency Attorneys, Attorney Interns and Attorneys-at-Law strongly supports the Black Lives Matter movement. The recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks by police officers have underscored the importance of police reform. Here in New York, we still remember how Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell and Eric Garner died at the hands of police officers simply because they were Black. Recently, we were appalled to see numerous instances of police brutality against peaceful protestors.

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As you have undoubtedly heard, the US Supreme Court issued a ruling which potentially could undercut the financial viability of public sector unions, including CSBA and the larger union with which we are affiliated, Local 237 Teamsters. Janus vs AFSCME is the culmination of years of attacks on the labor movement by well-funded forces seeking to weaken the ability of unions to fight for higher wages, defined benefit pensions, quality health care, as well as better benefits and working conditions for millions of working people, including us.

I want you to know that we will continue to work hard and smart to represent you, and to earn your continued trust and support. We will survive, and become better and stronger than ever! Please see the FAQ page for why being a CSBA member can make all the difference!