A new federal lawsuit alleges that union activists have subjected Jewish colleagues to “toxic working conditions” filled with anti-Israel sentiments and pro-terrorism rhetoric, despite having neutral policies regarding the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Attorneys representing NY Legal Support Group and members of A Better Nylag Union are accused of promoting slogans that, according to some, suggest a stance against “colonialism” while displaying messages like “Intifada Now” in their workspaces.
The lawsuit, spanning 20 pages, claims that the language used effectively normalizes violence against Israeli Jews and fosters discrimination against Jewish employees, as detailed in a complaint submitted to the National Labor Relations Commission.
One attorney expressed concern, stating that the presence of such signs creates an unwelcoming environment for Jews and Zionists. In an email from 2015, he remarked, “As a Jew, I don’t want to work near signs of hatred directed at me.”
Nyglag, associated with the United Autoworkers Union’s Local 2325, receives $40 million annually from government funds for legal services, which also includes support from Jewish organizations like the UJA Union in New York.
Last May, the legal support group, which is made up of around 350 lawyers and support staff, implemented a neutral rule prohibiting posters and other materials related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the need to maintain a “welcoming” atmosphere for all employees, regardless of their views.
Despite these guidelines, the union filed a grievance with the Labor Commission in June, arguing that Nyglag was infringing on the free speech rights of its pro-Palestinian members.
One Jewish lawyer within the union reached out regarding the visible anti-Semitism present in the negotiating process, expressing a strong frustration that could no longer be overlooked.
In their complaint, lawyers criticized union leaders, stating, “You are intentionally seeking to hurt members of the unit for your own personal political purposes that have nothing to do with working conditions.” They labeled the actions of union leaders as extreme.
Another section of the complaint pointed out that instead of defending Jewish staff from a hostile work environment, the negotiating unit seemed to be prioritizing other interests entirely, revealing a significantly flawed approach to their responsibilities.
The complaint requests that federal authorities affirm that the unions have failed in their duty to represent Jewish members fairly and hinder compliance with legal obligations against workplace discrimination.
The labor group has not yet commented on the situation.
This isn’t the first time the UAW Legal Aid Bar Association has faced controversy. The Brandeis Center initiated legal action against the union last July, alleging retaliation against three members who opposed purportedly anti-Semitic practices while serving in the Legal Aid Association.
