AVP Unites and OPEIU 153 are demanding transparency and accountability from the organizational leadership of the The NYC Anti-Violence Project in the face of sudden and unexpected layoffs. We are calling for extended health care benefits for our laid-off colleagues, full budget transparency from AVP leadership, and support for the remaining employees who will now be taking on additional work, including protections against future layoffs.

Join us and send a letter to AVP Executive Director Beverly Tillery and Director of HR Jolene Halzen to show your support for our dedicated colleagues, and encourage AVP management to live their values!

On Tuesday, March 12th, 2024, The New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) announced that they plan to lay off over 10% of staff by the end of the week, leaving the recently unionized staff and employees with grave concerns about the future of the organization.

Founded in 1980, AVP is the premiere agency engaged in anti-violence work with and for LGBTQIA+ and HIV-affected survivors. The organization prides itself on its Anti-Oppressive (AO) framework and approach to provide life-affirming support to our communities through hotline services, crisis counseling, advocacy, legal support, and community organizing at the local and national level.

In 2021 AVP staff came together to organize their union, AVP Unites, with OPEIU Local 153. As with many LGBTQIA+ organizations and social service providers working with survivors, AVP’s staff represents and reflects the diversity and complexity of the communities we serve. Unionizing was not only a way to address employees’ longstanding issues of disrespect and subpar benefits on the job, but to also fight for increased support and job security that would allow them to best provide these vital services to their clients.

AVP management has offered the affected employees the bare minimum severance outlined in their union contract - two weeks of pay, and one month of health insurance. This now leaves those individuals suddenly without access to the crucial gender-affirming care, mental health care, and financial security that the organization fights to provide.

Thank you for your support!