By Robert Harding
The Citizen, Auburn, N.Y.
NEW YORK — The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association reached an agreement to end an illegal 11-day correction officer strike.
DOCCS and NYSCOPBA participated in four days of mediation before the agreement was announced late Thursday.
The terms of the agreement cover many of the issues raised by the striking officers, from HALT to mandated overtime.
HALT
DOCCS agreed to suspend portions of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act, known as HALT, for 90 days. The law limits the use of solitary confinement in state prisons and county jails.
After 30 days, DOCCS will reevaluate operations and staffing levels to determine whether lifting the suspension would “create an unreasonable risk to the safety and security of the incarcerated individuals and staff.”
When the suspension is lifted, DOCCS will use a “circuit breaker” staffing metric on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This will be used to decide whether there’s a “facilitywide emergency” due to inadequate staffing.
If there are high levels of staffing vacancies, DOCCS will take action to avoid having officers work mandated 24-hour shifts. The first step will be closing posts. If staffing levels remain a problem, the facility will suspend programming for the general population. The last stop is suspending certain HALT provisions.
Overtime
One of the chief complaints from correction officers is mandated overtime. Amid a staffing shortage, they have been forced to work longer shifts.
The agreement details steps to “minimize and work towards eliminating anyone working 24-hour mandatory overtime.” If officers work four overtime shifts in a two-week pay period, they will not be mandated to work an additional shift.
If DOCCS mandates an employee to work more than two voluntary overtime shifts in a week, the agency will be required to pay a $750 penalty to the employee for violating the agreement.
Correction officers who work overtime on the weekends will receive a pay differential of $100 per shift.
If a correction officer or sergeant is mandated to work a 24-hour shift, DOCCS must review the reasons for the required overtime.
Temporary COs
DOCCS is proposing to rehire retirees who would be tasked with transporting incarcerated individuals. The retirees would be used to avoid calling in staff members on the mandatory overtime list.
Plot plan
DOCCS and NYSCOPBA agreed to form a committee to “analyze each (facility’s) staffing and operational inefficiencies with the goal of providing more relief to existing staff.” An independent staffing specialist will work the committee to determine whether posts should be consolidated or eliminated. Eight-hour and 12-hour staffing plans would also be reviewed.
Legal mail
DOCCS will seek a vendor to screen incarcerated individuals’ legal mail. This measure aims to stop the introduction of contraband into correctional facilities.
According to the terms, the screening will not include a review of the communications within the mail.
Approved leave
DOCCS and NYSCOPBA agreed to resolve issues related to workers who were on approved leave, such as paid parental leave or workers’ compensation, but were ordered to return to work during the strike.
Strike discipline
DOCCS will not penalize workers who participated in the strike as long as they return to work by Saturday. However, the terms do not cover any fines for violating the Taylor Law, which prohibits public employee strikes. It also does not protect employees who engaged in any criminal activity unrelated to the strike.
DOCCS agreed to expedite reinstatement applications from employees who were fired while on probation due to the strike.
National Guard
The National Guard will remain at prisons, but a drawdown will begin once correction officers return to work. The state will use National Guard members to prevent correction officers from working mandated 24-hour shifts.
70/30
DOCCS and NYSCOPBA confrimed that the Feb. 10 memo classifying 70% as full staffing in prisons has been rescinded.
2.5 overtime
The state will continue the 2.5 overtime rate for correction officers who work overtime during a 30-day period after the agreement.
Salary grades
The state will increase the correction officer salary grade from SG-14 to SG-17, while sergeants will see their salary grades go from SG-17 to SG-20. For new correction officers, that would increase the starting salaries by $10,000.
Referral bonuses
DOCCS and NYSCOPBA agreed to implement a referral bonus program to boost recruitment. Staff members who refer a non-DOCCS employee to become a correction officer or correction officer trainee will receive a $1,500 bonus when the individual graduates from the academy and completes their job training. Another $1,500 bonus will be paid when the newcomer completes their 52-week probationary period.
Mental health
DOCCS and NYSCOPBA will set up a mental health and wellness app for correction officers.
Assaults
The two sides agreed to meet for discussions about the definitions of assault. DOCCS tracks this data every month. The department defines an assault as “any attack by an incarcerated individual.” One example of an assault is if an incarcerated individual throws an object and it hits another person.
Returning to work
Employees who end the strike and return the work must do so by 6:45 a.m. Saturday (Tour 2), 2:45 p.m. Saturday (Tour 3) and 10:45 p.m. Saturday (Tour 1).
Disputes
Martin Scheinman, an independent mediator who oversaw the sessions this week, retains jurisdiction to resolve any disputes.
—
© 2025 The Citizen, Auburn, N.Y.. Visit www.auburnpub.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.