ALBANY, N.Y. — In a bold move to address the ongoing wildcat strike by correctional officers, New York state officials have amended a final offer directly to the striking personnel, bypassing union leadership.
The proposal, announced on March 6, aims to bring an end to the 18-day strike that has disrupted operations across more than 30 state prisons.
State’s final offer to striking corrections officers
Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel Martuscello outlined the key components of the offer:
- No disciplinary actions: Striking officers who return to work by March 7 will not face disciplinary measures.
- Reinstatement: Officers previously terminated for participating in the strike will be reinstated.
- Health benefits restoration: Health insurance benefits for returning officers will be immediately reinstated.
- HALT Act suspension: A 90-day suspension of specific provisions of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term (HALT) Solitary Confinement Act, addressing safety concerns raised by the officers.
Martuscello emphasized that this offer directly addresses the concerns voiced by officers on the picket lines, stating, “I heard my workforce. This delivers the things they asked for.”
Union’s stance and legal implications
The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), representing over 13,000 prison staff, has rejected the state’s proposal, the Associated Press reports. The union cited unresolved legal issues and a lack of involvement in the agreement’s development as reasons for their refusal. In a statement earlier on March 6, NYSCOPBA asserted, “This agreement was not negotiated with NYSCOPBA—the legally recognized entity through which all negotiations must be conducted.”
State officials have warned that failure to return to work by the specified deadline will result in disciplinary actions, including termination and potential legal consequences…