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Public defenders keep up fight

May 14, 2018

A Massachusetts public defender was featured on WGBH Radio’s “Jim & Margery Show” as the May Day program looked at International Workers Day and discontent in the workplace. Rachel Scott called the talk show to say, “I love my job, I love my work and I feel challenged. My boss is great. All of those things. But, I don’t feel appreciated.” She added that the state’s public defenders have been fighting for the same collective bargaining rights that other state employees already have. The law currently leaves them out. Meanwhile, the prosecutors she works across the aisle from are in a union. That’s why lawyers at her agency, the state Committee for Public Counsel Services, are seeking to change the law – which would allow them to bargain collectively. Public defenders have rallied all over the state to demand justice.