Correction officers at two prisons are participating in unsanctioned strikes.

Staff have gathered outside both Collins Correctional Facility and Elmira Correctional Facility and did not enter the facility for their shifts, according to the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association.

The staff expressed their discontent with their current working conditions.

NYSCOPBA said this strike was not authorized by the union.

The Department of Corrections and Community Service issued a statement in response to the strikes.

“The job actions initiated by some rogue NYSCOPBA members, at Collins and Elmira Correctional Facilities this morning are illegal and unlawful. We are committed to engaging the union in order to return staff to work and resume normal operations at the two facilities,” DOCCS spokesman Thomas Mailey said in a statement.

Mailey also cited a new labor agreement that included yearly salary raises, increases in location pay and paid parental leave. 

In addition, they have taken procedures to reduce the amount of contraband entering the facilities to increase the safety of all within the facilities.

“We value our employees and are dedicated to continuing the recruiting efforts to increase security staffing in all DOCCS correctional facilities to restore the important work life balance for all,” he said.

Visitation has been canceled at both prisons until further notice.

There is word that there may be more unsanctioned strikes at other prisons on Tuesday.

NewsChannel 13 will stay on top of this story both on air and online.