NYS correction officers’ union rep releases details of strike negotiations
The union says it also discussed ensuring no disciplinary action is taken against members considered AWOL during the illegal strike.
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The union representing state correction officers has released new details in talks to end a days-long statewide prison strike.
Negotiations began on Monday with a state-appointed moderator on Day 8 of the strike.
A representative for NYSCOPBA says union leaders spoke with state officials about the need for several operational changes, including immediately suspending and permanently changing parts of the solitary confinement reform act HALT, ending 24-shifts, screening legal mail and bolstering recruitment efforts to relieve a severe staffing shortage.
The union says it also discussed ensuring no disciplinary action is taken against members considered AWOL during the illegal strike.
Talks are expected to continue through Wednesday.
Gov. Kathy Hochul activated the New York National Guard to work inside state prisons during the crisis last week and News 12 confirmed with state officials on Monday that the parole officers are also filling in for correction officers during the strike.
NYSCOPBA says the Department of Community Corrections and Supervision, which oversees state prisons, began moving inmates out of Collins Correctional Facility to other prisons as of Monday to ease the staffing crisis at the prison.
