Union: Ongoing issues led to unsanctioned correction officer strike

The union representing correction officers who went on an unsanctioned strike says many issues led to this point.

Correction officers statewide, including at Coxsackie and Greene Correctional Facility, went on strike last month over concerns about poor working conditions and officer safety.

“It is a culmination of frustration that has built among members since the HALT Act began in April of 2022,” said James Miller, NYSCOPBA spokesman. “Despite voicing our opposition to the legislation since its inception, the climate and working conditions began to seriously erode over two years ago.”

NYSCOPBA told the governor’s office about the concerns, Miller said.

“Staffing issues, mandatory overtime, facility closures, prison violence continue to be brushed aside with no real solutions,” he said.

In response to the unsanctioned strike, DOCCS told striking workers they would begin to lose their benefits, including health insurance, if they didn’t return to work. While many have returned, some remain on the picket lines.

DOCCS has followed through, beginning to remove health insurance for some striking workers. However, NYSCOPBA says some of the workers losing benefits aren’t even on strike.

“We have members who did not participate in the strike and who are out on family medical leave and job-related injuries who are having their benefits canceled by the state,” Miller said.

DOCCS said earlier this week they vow to continue to come to an agreement with the workers.

NewsChannel 13’s Dan Levy is following this story. He will have an update on our newscasts starting Live at 4 and on WNYT.com.