Page 1
ADDA Links Up With Civilian Mariners’ Union
Deputy District Attorneys Are Now Members of Union Affiliated With AFL-CIO
By a MetNews Staff Writer
The union representing Los Angeles County prosecutors announced yesterday that it has formed an alliance with the nation’s oldest maritime labor union, established in 1875.
While the kinship of criminal prosecutors with civilian mariners is not apparent, an early-morning press release issued by the Association of Deputy District Attorneys (“ADDA”) explained that through affiliating with The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (“MEBA”), the ADDA has become a member of the AFL-CIO, as well as Los Angeles Court’s Coalition of County Unions, providing it with increased clout.
Vice President Eric Siddall commented that the move “isn’t just the right thing to do—it is essential in our struggle against the mismanagement and incompetence of the current district attorney.”
The ADDA has been vocal in its criticisms of District Attorney George Gascón.
ADDA President Michele Hanisee remarked:
“The ADDA board is committed to providing the highest level of representation to the Deputy District Attorneys who make up our membership. Our affiliation with MEBA will strengthen our ability to further our goals.”
The ADDA’s announcement says:
“MEBA permits the ADDA Board to retain complete autonomy over the affairs of the Association. This affiliation will strengthen our organization and give our members a stronger voice. Now more than ever, working Deputy D.A.s need the strength and support of the larger organized labor community.”
It notes that the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, the Association of Public Defender Investigators, the California Association of Professional Employees, the Los Angeles County Lifeguards Association, and the Professional Peace Officers Association are already affiliates of MEBA.
Hanisee told the METNEWS:
“The decision to associate with MEBA was unanimous. We are excited to form associations with other labor organizations representing essential workers including marine engineers, law enforcement, firefighters, lifeguards, doctors and dentists.”
One former deputy district attorney, dismissing the suggestion that it is demeaning to members of a learned profession to be in a union with laborers, said:
“We are all laborers in this world, despite our educational degree. Everyone deserves a voice and if joining a powerful labor union can help DDAs get a better voice, I think it will be beneficial.”
Copyright 2023, Metropolitan News Company