By Robert Harding
The Citizen, Auburn, N.Y.
AUBURN, N.Y. — The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, a union representing state correction officers, has ratified a new three-year contract.
The new labor agreement includes annual pay raises, lump sum bonuses and up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. There are also changes to the health insurance program to encourage employees to use in-network providers.
The contract, which runs through March 31, 2026, covers more than 17,000 members, including correction officers, correction sergeants and secure hospital treatment assistants. It was ratified by 73% of NYSCOPBA members who cast ballots.
“This labor agreement will help to ensure that the brave members of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association are fairly compensated for their tremendous contributions to our state,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
NYSCOPBA President Chris Summers welcomed the new contract for his members.
“Since taking office, on more than one occasion, Governor Hochul has publicly praised our members for their dedication and hard work, day in and day out, despite very difficult and dangerous working conditions,” Summers said.
He continued, “Our members never had the option to work from home as many others did. The governor’s office and NYSCOPBA have recognized that working together now, and in the future, will help to resolve issues that our members are facing daily.”
The agreement was reached despite NYSCOPBA’s criticism of how the state has handled violence in prisons. There have been record numbers of assaults on incarcerated individuals and staff. The union has blamed the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act, a law that restricts the use of solitary confinement, for contributing to the violence.
NYSCOPBA has also blasted Hochul’s proposal to close up to five prisons in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The executive budget plan included language that would give Hochul authority to expedite the closure of state prisons with 90 days’ notice. The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has said that the closures are necessary due to a staffing crisis.
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