Corrections Officers Strike at Elmira and Collins Prisons

Strike Halts Normal Operations at State-Run Prisons

Corrections officers at Elmira and Collins Correctional Facilities started a strike on Monday morning in protest of working conditions. The strike, which halted normal operations at both state-run prisons, could spread to more prisons in New York.

Visitation Canceled at Both Prisons

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) confirmed that they have canceled visitation at both prisons until further notice. Neither side has so far advanced ideas for a compromise to end the strike or resume visitation.

Union Denies Authorizing the Strike

According to the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), the union did not authorize the strike. While they acknowledged it, they explained that individual officers made their own decisions:

“NYSCOPBA is keenly aware of the current situation at both Collins and Elmira Correctional Facilities. The staff that have gathered outside of both facilities, and who refused to enter the facility for their respective shifts, was not in any way sanctioned by NYSCOPBA. At both facilities, staff chose to not enter for their work shifts as a result of their discontentment with current working conditions.”

DOCCS Statement on the Strike

The union said it would monitor the situation, but referred questions about staffing levels to DOCCS. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office did not comment, deferring to DOCCS.

DOCCS said the strike violated labor laws and called it an illegal job action by “rogue NYSCOPBA members.” The department’s official statement pointed out that they recently renegotiated a better contract with the union for pay raises, location pay increases, and paid parental leave. It also cited new safety policies that are supposed to keep out contraband:

“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,” the statement read in part. “We are committed to engaging the union in order to return staff to work and resume normal operations at the two facilities.”

Background on the Strike

Collins just came out of lockdown status after a group of prisoners took over a section of the prison. And Elmira Correctional Facility in Chemung County was arguably the first New York prison whose correctional officers walked off the job in 1979, kicking off a statewide 16-day strike.

Speculation on the Strike Spreading

Speculation over the strike spreading centers on working conditions at corrections facilities, where officers say they regularly face mandatory overtime due to under-staffing. Law enforcement agencies statewide and across the country are persistently short-staffed, with low recruitment numbers, officers experiencing low morale, and the industry as a whole reporting high rates of stress, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts:

“Corrections officers face more dangers while on the job than ever before. The unprecedented number of assaults on these officers within our prison walls is unacceptable,” read part of a written statement from Republican State Sen. Patrick Gallivan, the Minority Whip. “We can no longer stand idly by. The Legislature, the Executive and DOCCS must take immediate steps to ensure safety and security at all of New York’s correctional facilities.”

Conclusion

The strike by corrections officers at Elmira and Collins prisons has raised concerns about working conditions and safety in New York’s correctional facilities. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether a resolution can be reached to end the strike and resume normal operations at the facilities.

FAQs

• What is the reason for the strike by corrections officers at Elmira and Collins prisons?
• What is the response from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to the strike?
• Has the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) authorized the strike?
• What are the concerns raised by Republican State Sen. Patrick Gallivan about the strike and working conditions in New York’s correctional facilities?