State Announces Changes to Entice Striking Correction Workers to Return to Work
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) has announced changes aimed at enticing striking correction officers to return to work. The move comes as the strike, which began on Monday, has expanded to over 30 prisons across the state, including four in Western New York.
DOCCS Responds to Corrections Officer Demands
The DOCCS has responded to the corrections officer’s demands, which include the reversal of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) Act, cuts on third-party vendors, increased mail security and visitor body scans, and improvements to improve officer work-life balance. The department deemed the strikes "illegal" and criticized them for jeopardizing the safety and security of officers’ coworkers.
Temporary Suspension of HALT Act
The DOCCS has announced that it will temporarily suspend parts of the HALT Act under "exceptional circumstances," where the circumstances "create a significant and unreasonable risk to the safety and security of other incarcerated persons, staff, or the facility." This will provide some relief to the striking officers, who are seeking the reversal of the HALT Act.
Overtime Pay and No Discipline
The state has also promised to provide a boost in overtime pay to a rate of 2.5 times the regular rate for employees who return to work during the current emergency declared by Governor Kathy Hochul. Additionally, the state will not pursue discipline against any striking officers who return to work before 11:59 pm on Thursday.
National Guard to Remain
The state has announced that the over 4,500 National Guard members who are currently staffing prisons will remain until prisons can be stabilized and officers can fully return to work.
Will the Announcement be Enough?
It remains to be seen whether the announcement will be enough to convince the thousands of correction officers across the state to return to work. The strike has been ongoing for four days, and the memorandum represents the first formal move by the state and DOCCS to try to get officers back to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the HALT Act?
A: The HALT Act is a law that aims to reduce the use of solitary confinement in New York State prisons.
Q: What are the corrections officers’ demands?
A: The corrections officers’ demands include the reversal of the HALT Act, higher staffing levels, no overtime mandates over 16 hours, mandated body scans for visitors, scans of mail coming to inmates, a $5,000 bonus for new employees, and other benefits.
Q: Will the announcement be enough to end the strike?
A: It remains to be seen whether the announcement will be enough to convince the thousands of correction officers across the state to return to work.
