After days of unsanctioned strikes outside state prisons, New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) announced a new deal for workers to return to work.

Unfortunately the deal was not signed by NYS Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (NYSCOPBA).

“I heard my workforce loud and clear, and I won’t fail to deliver on what I promise” said Daniel F. Martuscello III, Commissioner of DOCCS.

Prison workers walked out of the job about 18 days ago. A little over 20 have been terminated so far.

DOCCS is asking workers to return to work Friday, March 7.

The memorandum of agreement between the state of New York and NYSCOPBA agreed to form a committee to address safety and agreed to make sure counterfeit items stay out of the prison walls.

Already several termination letters have been issued out and many workers and their families have lost their health insurance.

The state will reinstate their coverage if they return to work on Friday.

DOCCS Commissioner says “the State will reinstate, effective immediately, the health insurance of any employee who had their health insurance terminated, on the date of their return”.

DOCCS says the New York National Guard will remain inside prisons as workers return to work.