Shockwaves in DOCCS: 20 Corrections Officers Terminated and 5,000+ Health Insurance Plans Impacted by Ongoing Strikes

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York State is taking steps to address the ongoing strike by corrections officers at various prisons. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has fired over 20 staff members and ended health insurance coverage for 5,200 employees.

As of Wednesday, strikes are still happening at 32 of the state’s 42 prisons. Even though the union has reached an agreement with the state regarding working conditions, many officers are not returning to work. Those on the picket lines say the deal fails to fully address their concerns, particularly the HALT Act.

Corrections officers began the strike to advocate for better staffing levels, limits on forced overtime, and measures to ensure their safety. The new agreement includes some positive changes. It will eliminate mandatory 24-hour overtime shifts, use technology to screen prison mail for dangerous substances, and introduce a referral bonus program to attract more staff.

However, parts of the HALT Act will only be temporarily suspended for 90 days or when a prison has a vacancy rate over 30%. The HALT Act restricts solitary confinement, allowing it for a maximum of 15 days and exempting certain groups, like pregnant individuals and those with disabilities. Many officers believe that even this temporary suspension isn’t enough to ensure their safety, citing a rise in assaults on staff since the act was implemented in 2022.

After the agreement was reached last Thursday, staff had until Saturday to return to work or face repercussions. The situation remains tense as the state seeks a resolution while maintaining safety in its facilities.

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