Uncertainty swirls as CO strikes continue

DANNEMORA | After two days of informal talks between striking corrections officers and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, uncertainty remained Thursday evening as possible resolutions were halted and picket lines remained in force. Officers met at striking facilities through the day Thursday to vote on possible resolutions and as a potential agreement neared fruition with the Department of Corrections, the effort was halted. Despite possible emerging return-to-work plans late Thursday afternoon, the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association said "NYSCOPBA was not appropriately engaged in the development of the currently circulating agreement. "This agreement was not negotiated with NYSCOPBA- the legally recognized entity through which all negotiations must be conducted. There are substantial legal issues that must be addressed and as presented, this agreement does not represent the best interests of our membership." "At this time, NYSCOPBA will not be signing this agreement. However, we are actively working to engage DOCCS and New York State in reopening the consent award process with the mediator. This approach would ensure that any resulting consent award is legally binding in court." Word of the union's position halted the possible resolution as officers vowed to remain on the line until a secure agreement, legal protections and more safety provisions were in place. All strike zones united in agreement and the picket lines saw stronger numbers as the walkout neared its 19th day. Outside Clinton Correctional in Dannemora, where roughly 150 officers had gathered earlier in the day for difficult and divided votes, fires continued at dusk and into the night as officers steadily united with chants to 'Hold the Line'. At a press event Wednesday, as talks were underway bypassing the union, NYSCOPBA officials said the non-sanctioned strike was a culmination of years of ongoing issues and the reality of HALT's impacts, bringing epidemic levels of violence and officers reaching a breaking point. NYSCOPBA said representatives have worked in good faith despite Albany's inaction and broken promises and recognized that last week's consent agreement did not meet officers' expectations, pledging to address further changes and pursue legal action as needed on their behalf. NYSCOPBA said the emerging involvement of outside influences in any further agreements would only prolong the worsening situation. President Chris Summers also addressed widespread and mounting concerns from members alleging failures in the union's representation and advocacy. "NYSCOPBA will continue to advocate for its members and push the state for real reforms that address the difficult work conditions that exist in our prisons," NYSCOPA officials said. The officers' response Thursday evening was resounding in holding the line and keeping the barrels lit at Clinton Correctional and other facilities across the state, including in the Malone hub serving Upstate, Bare Hill and Franklin. The internetworking of officers appeared to have only strengthened their resolve to keep fighting for stronger and legally protected safety and staffing provisions. Roughly 8,000 officers- about half the corrections workforce- refused terms of an earlier consent agreement despite looming terminations, canceled health insurance and other penalties, putting officers and their families in turmoil and uncertainty and a third week without pay. After attending a legislative breakfast in Plattsburgh where he was updated on the day's developments, Sen. Dan Stec visited officers in Dannemora as they faced mounting pressures and rollercoaster of developments. Stec has steadily voiced concerns about the current policies in place and led efforts to repeal the HALT Act, including most recently last week when it was again shot down on party lines. He is also working to push through legislation to create a secure vendor process and mandatory visitor body scans as he worked to garner more support for all three bills in Albany this week. "It's going to take more than threats and executive orders to resolve the correction officer strike. It requires legislative action. I sponsor three bills that we could pass right now to make prisons safer. All it takes is a little bit of backbone from Governor Hochul and Democrat leaders," Sen. Stec said Thursday as he urged Albany to take action.

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Uncertainty swirls as CO strikes continue

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