New York state officials have warned prison guards still taking part in the ongoing Wildcat strike Sunday to return to work in an apparent last effort to end illegal work suspensions.
The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has revealed that termination notices have begun to go out to corrections officers who have been on strike for more than 11 consecutive days, and have introduced new policies to slow the flow of contraband.
The offensive approach hopes that after Gov. Kathy Hochul's office and security guard union signed a contract last week with the help of a mediator, the Guards have finished a work halt that reached more than 30 prisons in the state after the Guards got a job through disorderly working conditions on February 17th.
This transaction has halted elements of the suspension law. It is a controversial reform law aimed at limiting solitary confinement, which has been heavily criticized by corrections officers who say it makes prison conditions even more dangerous.
However, the deal also includes a promise to reduce excessive overtime shifts, but still requires impressive security guard buy-in.
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Charity Association, which brokered the contract, do not support unauthorized work halts for correctional officers.
Three days after the agreement occurred, the state's DOCCS shared on social media that the termination notification would immediately hit your mailbox.
“We were not taking any action during mediation in respect for our employees and their families,” state DOCCS. I wrote it.
“Today, we are forced to take action to enforce law and collective bargaining agreements. The end of the officers who were AWOL have begun due to more than 11 consecutive shifts.”
DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martasquero; In another note, Security guards who were not back to work on Monday said they would lose healthcare, dating back to the first day of the strike.
Moreover, they are not qualified Cobragives workers and their families the ability to continue their health benefits for a limited time after losing their jobs.
“I hope you'll come back to work today,” Martuscello said in X.
“Even if you miss a shift, you need to know that you will report and continue to have an open dialogue to make the facility a safer place.”
Sunday night, the Department of State It was announced again They had implemented body imaging scans for prison visitors to stop smuggling facilities that contain weapons and drugs.
Those who refuse a body scan will make contactless visits with the inmates they are watching, the agency said.
Some security guards were back to work over the weekend, but many continued picketing.
An informal memo circulated by dissatisfied security guards against the union and Hochur's contract, claimed that the agreement “does not resolve the crisis.” It simply delays it.” The Times Union reported.
“The issues that led to this strike will last until the nation commits to true reform, and officers will not support it,” the memo reportedly reads.
“We urge the states to return to negotiations with a true commitment to a long-term solution. Until then, this contract will not be accepted.”
Thousands of National Guard have been sought to assist prison staff during strikes as prisoners are trapped in their cells due to a shortage of employees.
