Staff members at the Federal Defenders of New York have announced their plans to join their attorney colleagues as members of the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys.

The 22 staff members include investigators, social workers, interpreters and administrative workers, according to Friday's announcement. The Federal Defenders of New York's lawyers have been with the ALAA since 2005, while paralegals are represented by 1199SEIU.

According to the announcement, staff are hoping to gain more job security, transparency, accountability, fair wages and benefits. They would like to skip a National Labor Relations Board election in favor of beginning direct bargaining with management immediately.

"These workers will be joining not just their attorney colleagues at FDNY, but thousands of other union siblings in the legal and advocacy sector in New York," ALAA financial secretary-treasurer Leah W. Duncan said in a statement. "They fight every day for justice for FDNY clients, and we are honored to support them in their fight for justice in their workplace. The work these members do is absolutely crucial — without investigators, social workers, interpreters, and administrative staff, FDNY could not provide the services it does."

The Federal Defenders of New York operate out of Manhattan, White Plains, Central Islip and Brooklyn. If the new bargaining unit is recognized, the staff, known as the "FDNY Legal Advocates," will join the more than 3,400 workers represented by ALAA.

"Many workers who have participated in this union drive have told me that they find their work important and fulfilling, and that they are dedicated to supporting the crucial mission of FDNY. These staff, some of whom have worked at FDNY for many years, deserve union protections, and a workplace that recognizes the dignity of their work." Duncan said. "We call on FDNY management to recognize the new union and engage in fair, open negotiations."

--Editing by Adam LoBelia