The Peggy Browning Fund 2020 Summer Newsletter

5 Experiences Cayla Rodney Levy Ratner, PC New York, NY AsaPBFSummerFellowatLevyRatner, PC and a rising third year student at the University of North Carolina School of Law, Cayla describes her experience as having had the immense privilege of advocating for workers’ rights during a time when workers have needed it most. Whether it’s demanding the correct pay during emergency paid- leave due to COVID-19, challenging an employer’s discriminatory practices, or advocating for broader policy changes - she has seen unified workers make it all happen. One of her favorite long-term assignments this summer was one that put her in direct contact with employees and their delegates to discuss work conditions and treatment during the pandemic. This allowed her to better understand the needs of workers while also learning that her role as a fellow, and eventually as an attorney, is to make sure she’s listening to those needs so that she can transform her role to best support organizers. Cayla shared, “I am extremely grateful to both the Peggy Browning Fund and Levy Ratner, PC for giving me this opportunity and I am excited to take my new skills and continue to work within the labor movement.” K. Jeff Wang Communication Workers of America (CWA) Washington, DC A second year student at the University of Michigan Law School, Jeff Wang was awarded a Summer Fellowship at the Communication Workers of America (CWA.) He worked on a wide variety of interesting assignments, with topics ranging from unfair labor practices to intellectual property. As a result, he observed how union attorneys support the labor movement, including workplace organizing and collective bargaining, community mobilization and political advocacy, and internal operations and governance. One of his favorite assignments dealt with defamation and involved a wealth of interesting case law. Jeff felt fortunate to work with a wonderful legal team at CWA. The attorneys and staff created a warm and open environment for him and his co-clerks despite their remote locations, which included virtual mentorship chats, department meetings, and happy hours. In addition, his union helped him participate in a valuable two- day conference for students of color interested in labor law, hosted by the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee. “Overall, my Peggy Browning Fellowship reinforced my desire to become a labor movement attorney and provided me with a great experience to carry forward in my life and career,” said Jeff Wang. Jeff Wang and friend working from home. PBF’s 2020 Advocating for Workplace Justice regional workshops will be virtual in the Fall. For more information go to www.peggybrowningfund.org/workshops