ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision will be terminating health insurance for correction officers remaining AWOL during the strike.
DOCCS Commander Daniel Martuscello III joined Homeland Security Commissioner Jackie Bray at the press conference. Bray said they will terminate health insurance for thousands of correction officers who have been AWOL and will cancel health insurance for their dependents.
“Striking is absolutely illegal for employees and unions that are covered under that law. That’s because our corrections officers, like many of our public sector/public safety staff, are essential employees, and them showing up for work are essential to the state,” Bray said.
Bray is referring to the Taylor Law, which regulates the rights of public employees and their unions — she said the Attorney General is working on civil contempt proceedings against these officers.
Martuscello said a large number of staff continue to strike, adding it is not allowing them to implement the consent award and continue a dialogue with the officers. He said he was able to issue additional policies outside of the agreement.
They said some staff have returned to duty. Facilities no longer on strike include Greenhaven, Fishkill, Shawangunk, Hudson, Taconic, and Sing Sing.
The strike started in February, and it grew over time. This led to Governor Hochul signing an executive order to send the National Guard to these prisons.
During the strike, officers voiced concerns over extensive overtime shifts and the HALT Act. Even now, officers want the shifts eliminated and the HALT Act to undergo an extensive review. Governor Hochul called the agreement a win for the officers.
“Correction officers have a difficult job, let alone being understaffed,” said Martuscello. “I’ve seen firsthand the impact it had on correction officers and their families and I want to make sure that we continue to have this conversation as they play a vital role in public safety in this state.”
Martuscello acknowledged these concerns, but he said some of them fell outside the mediation scope due to laws they were unable to change. This led to the consent award being reached.
DOCCS announced over the weekend that it began to fire officers who continued to strike after the deal. Less than 10 corrections officers have been terminated as of Monday morning, according to Bray.
Full Press Conference
You can watch the full press conference in the video player above.