A tentative agreement has been reached to end the 11-day strike by New York correction officers, contingent on workers following a judge’s temporary restraining order and returning to their posts by Saturday.
After four days of mediation, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association resolved several key issues related to officer safety and workplace conditions.
From NYSCOPBA spokesperson James Miller, “The decisions to return to work is not a collective vote by members of NYSCOPBA. It will be up to each individual who currently is refusing to work to decide whether to return to work or risk termination, potential fines and possible arrest for violating the court order.
“NYSCOPBA has encouraged each member to return to work based on what was achieved in the Consent Award.”
Governor Kathy Hochul also released a statement:
“My top priority is the safety of all New Yorkers, and for the past 11 days, I have deployed every possible State resource to protect the well-being of correction officers, the incarcerated population and local communities across New York. Working with a mediator, we have reached a consent award to address many of the concerns raised by correction officers, put DOCCS back on the path to safe operations, respect the rights of incarcerated individuals and prevent future unsanctioned work stoppages. I have the utmost respect and gratitude for the correction officers, civilian DOCCS employees, National Guard personnel and other staff who have done their absolute best to maintain order in our correctional facilities during this challenging period.”
Below is a release from the mediator which contains details of the mediation process and concessions that the Consent Award contains.
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