DANNEMORA — Day six of the statewide correction officers strike saw massive crowds outside Clinton Correctional Facility supporting the work action on Saturday.
“I’ve been talking to correction officers, and it’s clear these protests are about safety and staffing levels, and it needs to be addressed now,” State Assemblyman D. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) said.
“Everyone deserves to go to work in these facilities feeling safe and knowing they’ll return to their families.”
The officers are taking part in a wildcat strike due to what they say are unsafe conditions inside the prison walls.
They are lobbying for more staff, better policies to keep contraband out and a repeal of the Humane Alternatives to Long Term Incarceration Act, which severely limits the amount of time and which inmates can be sent to special housing for egregious acts.
The officer’s union, the New York State Correction Officer Police Benevolent Association, has not sanctioned the strike, which is also happening at prisons in Altona and at three in Malone.
The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said Saturday that the illegal strike is risking the safety and security of the correctional facilities.
“This action is undermining the safety of COs currently on the job, the incarcerated population, and the dozens of communities where prisons are located,” DOCCS said in a statement.
DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III issued a memo earlier this week addressing the situation and said the state has offered to begin mediation sessions to settle the dispute.
“Martuscello’s memo from earlier this week outlined that those continuing to work in facilities would receive a temporary increased overtime pay rate. It also provided immunity from discipline for those walking off the picket line and returning to work, resulting in several officers returning to duty,” DOCCS said.
“COs continuing to take part in this illegal job action are violating the law. They will be considered absent without leave and are being docked pay for every day on strike. Also, as a result of their status, the state will terminate their state sponsored health insurance. In addition, those participating in the illegal job action will face administrative penalties along with Department discipline for violating the State’s Taylor Law and a judge’s temporary restraining order.”
Jones, a former correction officer himself, said he will work with the state to help settle the issue.
“Since its inception, I’ve been against implementing the HALT Act in our facilities statewide. I’ve always believed HALT puts officers and staff at risk, while also jeopardizing the working order of our facilities,” Jones said.
“As a former correction officer for two decades, these issues hit home. I’m constantly stressing upon the governor’s office and the DOCCS to halt HALT. I’m also fighting adamantly for the inclusion of further security and preventative measures in the state budget, as well as introducing legislation to directly address all their concerns, including requiring full body scans of all visitors and inmates, as well as updating legal mail procedures.”
Jones said he is also concerned about staffing levels inside the prisons.
“Staffing is another major concern as officers and civilians are often working doubles, and sometimes triple shifts, which makes their work and family lives unpredictable and brings down morale across the facilities,” Jones said.
“Not only is this unhealthy, it’s unsustainable. I will continue working around the clock, listening to our officers and staff, and doing what I can to facilitate a fair and quick resolution… Please know I will continue pressing the governor’s office and DOCCS to resolve these major concerns immediately.”