UPDATE: civil rights lawyer filing with unemployed workers union based out of phoenix

Hey everyone! I know we are losing our benefits completely after this sunday. I spoke with Paul Gattone this week. This is what he told me:

He has been working with another civil rights lawyer. They found out that a group with a branch based out of Phoenix called the Unemployed Workers Union is filing a lawsuit this week for the same thing we are filing for : backpay for FPUC (since reinstatement is not currently an option since FPUC is ending for all US citizens this upcoming week.) The amount in damages to Arizonans is extensive.

He said it is a good idea to "join forces" with this group and that he will still be serving as a co-lawyer  on the lawsuit. I asked him if it would be beneficial to file a separate lawsuit, and allow the courts to make the decision to join the 2 lawsuits. He said the courts would most likely do this but he wants to join with the unemployed workers union to ensure we win. 

I personally would have liked this to be filed over 3 weeks ago or even sooner, when I originally launched the petition and contacted him, and he accepted to take the case pro bono.

However, waiting until the last minute and hopping on the bandwagon, so to speak, was not entirely within my control. As I was advised working with professional representation would be more likely to help us win.

I have $14 in my checking account presently and the past 2 months have been brutal with the meager $104 a week I've received. This is why I wanted it to be done sooner for myself and for those in a similar position. Once filed, it will take time to be worked out in the court of law, and if we win, then it will take time for the funds to actually get to us. This is why I am frustrated. As I am sure many of you are.

However, regardless, this is the update on what is happening. He has not confirmed with me yet that the filing has happened. I called yesterday and again today and left him voicemails. He said it would be done by this friday, which is tomorrow.

My hope is that teaming up with the unemployed workers union will be helpful in ensuring we do win the lawsuit. And as much as I appreciate the  civil rights lawyer doing this pro bono, I will say that in hindsight, it might have been accomplished sooner if we filed ourselves.

Let's stay hopeful and optimistic about the outcome of this lawsuit to the best of our ability. With the work I've done, the help of other representatives in a similar position, those who signed the petition and contributed, legal assistance and the unemployed workers union, we have a VERY good chance of winning the backpay we are requesting. 

PM me if you have any other questions.