Inside the Ongoing Strike: A Correction Officer’s Insights and Frustrations as State Deadline Approaches

The state has offered a new consent award for correction officers who are on strike. This is similar to an agreement made with the Correction Officers Union back in February. However, the strike continued even without a formal agreement from the union.

DOCCS Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III expressed his frustration after hearing directly from the officers. “I’ve listened to the workers who are on the front lines every day. The union hasn’t delivered what our employees want, and they’ve chosen to ignore this understanding. I’ve heard my workforce,” he said.

Correction officer Dennis Chapman, who has worked for 18 years, shared his views on the situation. “If they won’t make meaningful changes, I can’t stay. We’ve raised concerns for nine years, but nothing has changed,” Chapman stated. He was part of a protest back in 2017 to highlight issues within the system, and he believes things have only gotten worse. “Would you really recommend this job to your son or daughter?” he questioned.

Despite the tough conditions, Chapman highlighted that communication is key in corrections. “A lot of our job is talking to people. If we can communicate with respect, it creates a better environment. That respect has faded,” he noted.

Chapman has even looked into other career paths, like car sales. “I’m interviewing at a dealership in Syracuse where I used to work. I enjoyed it; I like meeting and talking to people,” he shared.

Still, he feels a strong obligation to his fellow officers. “I want to help my colleagues and improve things from within. I want to say I did my best. If I get punished for speaking up, then I don’t want to be part of this system anymore,” he concluded.

Source link

Correction officer,Strike,State deadline,Union,Meaningful change,Communication,DOCCS,Workforce