New York, NY – The New York State Court Clerks Association (NYSCCA) is an independent union representing approximately 1,350 dedicated Court Clerks who serve in courts throughout New York State. The Union works tirelessly to advocate for its members’ rights, benefits, and working conditions. Court Clerks are the backbone of the court system, responsible for maintaining court records, managing filings, assisting judges, and ensuring the smooth operation of courtroom proceedings. Their expertise and diligence keep the judicial process running efficiently for litigants, attorneys, and the public.
Association President Michael Greico’s interest in law enforcement came early on, through his father and uncle. “They were big law and order men – believing in the American justice system,” he says. “My father instilled in me that without our legal system, we would not have the freedoms we enjoy today.”
And those words became action within his union family. Grieco tells LaborPress that his father was a Shop Steward for a major oil company. Greico witnessed his father’s dedication in representing his co-workers, protecting their rights and entitlements. That passion, Greico says, was passed down to him, and has inspired him to bring that energy to his membership.
Coming up, President Greico’s career titles within the Association were Court Clerk, Court Clerk Delegate, Association Second Vice President, and he adds, “currently serving proudly, as the President of the New York State Court Clerks Association, covering the 5 boroughs.”
The average woman or man may not be aware of how important the work is that the Court Clerks do. LaborPress inquired of Greico as to what specifically makes them so valuable on-the-job.
“Court Clerks are the unsung heroes of the judiciary, performing a vast array of duties that ensure the courts remain functional and efficient,” answers Greico. “They assist judges in the courtroom, process legal filings, maintain official records, and manage court calendars,all the while interfacing with attorneys, litigants, and the public. Their institutional knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to handle high-pressure situations make them indispensable. The New York State court system simply could not function without their expertise, as they are the bridge between legal procedure and the practical administration of justice.”
The Union protects and works for its members tirelessly.
“In its current contract,” says Greico, “which runs through 2026, legislative victories have brought such wins as pension enhancements and health and safety legislation. The Union will go on to fight for better wages, improved benefits, and better job protections, ensuring Court Clerks receive what they deserve,” he adds.
Challenges come to any union fighting for its members. But from strength comes rewards. Under Greico’s tenure, he responds when asked, “The two biggest challenges the NYSCCA has faced in recent years are recruitment and retention due to salary compression and the sudden shift to digital court operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Union has fought hard to ensure that Court Clerk are properly compensated for their expertise and dedication, despite economic constraints. Additionally, adapting to a historically paper-driven system transitioning to digital workflows presented enormous logistical and training challenges. Throughout these difficulties, the Union has remained steadfast in advocating for its members, ensuring they have the necessary tools and support to navigate these changes.”
And as for just some of the victories that have come to NYSCCA?
President Greico says, “The NYSCCA has achieved significant victories in recent years, including title upgrades for Senior and Associate Court Clerks—a major win that reflects the increasing responsibilities of these roles. The Union has also secured pension enhancements and key legislative protections for workplace safety and health, thanks to strategic lobbying efforts and litigation. Perhaps most notably, the Union was instrumental in legal battles during the COVID-19 era, successfully protecting the rights and safety of its members in both the courts and at the New York State Public Employment Relations Board (NYS PERB). These accomplishments demonstrate the power of a united and determined membership working toward a stronger future.”
