Albany Public Defenders Staff Rally For Union Recognition

The 60 attorney and non-attorney staff of the Albany County Public Defender's Office have filed for voluntary union recognition with the ALAA (UAW). On Friday, June 26, they rallied outside county offices after the County Executive Office refused to voluntarily recognize them. They are now waiting for a ruling from the state. Public Defenders provide legal representation to the most vulnerable people within the criminal justice system, but there has been a wave of resignations since the end of 2025. Attorney Ava Agree spoke with Sal Rochelle about the reasons behind this. County Executive Daniel McCoy did not respond to requests for his comments.