Governor Kathy Hochul gave an update on Tuesday after a 22-day unauthorized work stoppage ended in New York’s prison system. She presented a detailed strategy aimed at recovery, recruitment, and rebuilding of the system.
The conclusion of the strike comes after four rounds of negotiations between the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA).
Currently, more than 10,000 security staff are employed at correctional institutions, along with over 6,000 National Guard members being mobilized to ensure safety and security. Governor Hochul issued an executive directive prohibiting those involved in the unauthorized ‘wildcat strike’ from entering state employment.
Apologies, but we’re unable to display this embedded content.
My primary focus has always been the safety and welfare of every resident in New York City—and I’ve been tirelessly working day and night to bring an end to this unlawful strike and reinstate security within our prison facilities,” stated Governor Hochul. “Unprecedented measures have been implemented to safeguard public safety, and I extend my gratitude to both the National Guard members and the DOCCS staff who remained committed to duty, demonstrating exceptional dedication to protecting their fellow citizens.”
The state will recognize elements of the
agreements reached
Including enabling the DOCCS Commissioner to use discretion under the HALT Act, reducing mandatory overtime, and forming a group to examine staffing inefficiencies. Staff members failing to report for duty by the specified date will be terminated, with around 2,000 dismissal notifications sent out.
On Saturday
, DOCCS and NYSCOPBA have reached the fourth and final accord to conclude the unlawful strike. Even though they did not meet the 85 percent return threshold, the state is acknowledging all elements of both this latest agreement and the one from March 6th in their entirety. The aspects of these accords that the state intends to uphold encompass:
Enabling the Commissioner of DOCCS to utilize their current authority under the HALT Act to keep the interim suspension of the act’s program components in place for an additional 90-day period starting from the agreement’s signing date.
Reducing and ultimately abolishing mandated overtime shifts that last for an entire day.
Setting up a task force to examine the personnel and workflow issues at every site so as to offer additional support to current employees.
DOCCS will refrain from issuing disciplinary notices under the collective bargaining agreement for employees involved in the strike provided they return to their duties by the specified deadline.
Restating the cancellation of the 70/30 directive.
Straightaway restoring the healthcare coverage for any employee who returns.
Proceed with paying the 2.5 times overtime rate initially agreed upon on February 20, 2025, for a duration of 30 days following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement.
Permitting staff to buy health coverage that includes both the state’s portion and their own contribution from the initial date of absence or termination of health benefits.
Setting up a task force including delegates from NYSCOPVA and DOCCS along with other stakeholders to propose amendments to the HALT Act for consideration by the New York State Legislature.
The focus has turned to assisting support personnel and attracting prospective corrections officers. In an effort to broaden their applicant pool, New York is ramping up recruitment initiatives. These include providing assistance to cadets enrolled in the Correction Officer Academy and revising residency stipulations to accommodate candidates from outside the state. An extensive social media-driven recruitment drive is currently being conducted, with particular emphasis on reaching students attending community colleges as well as individuals stationed at military installations.
The DOCCS Recruitment Unit has been actively participating in various job fairs and implementing programs aimed at attracting seasoned correctional officers. Additionally, the department’s regional recruitment bonus “CNY200” has now extended to cover eight counties, facilitating the immediate allocation of new hires to open positions.
