New York state officials and a union for corrections officers have reached an agreement to end significant strikes in the state’s prisons. Governor Kathy Hochul announced this on Thursday.
The union, known as the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, had not formally called for the strikes. The officers had gone against a court order earlier this month to return to their posts.
According to the union, this decision wasn’t made through a vote of its members. They have urged the striking officers to return but emphasized that it’s up to each individual to decide if they want to come back to work. Those who choose to stay away may face termination or legal consequences for ignoring the court order.
The strikes began on February 17 in response to under-staffing, unsafe working conditions, and excessive mandatory overtime at the Collins and Elmira correctional facilities. These work stoppages quickly spread to nearly all of New York’s 42 prisons. In response, Governor Hochul deployed National Guard troops to help fill the staffing gaps.
After four days of mediation, the state and the union reached a consent award to address the officers’ concerns. This award, announced by Governor Hochul, includes plans to enhance staffing levels and cut mandatory overtime requirements.
As part of the agreement, striking officers won’t face disciplinary action if they return to work by Saturday. The union has yet to publicly comment on the situation following this development.
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Source linkStrikes,Prison Guards and Corrections Officers,Prisons and Prisoners,Workplace Hazards and Violations,National Guard,State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Assn,Hochul, Kathleen C,New York State,Arbitration, Conciliation and Mediation,Organized Labor
