BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A growing number of corrections officers across New York are going on strike over what they claim are unsafe working conditions.
According to the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), the union representing the officers, as of Wednesday afternoon, there are about 30 correctional facilities in which "officers/sergeants are participating in either protesting current working conditions inside the prisons or refusing to enter for their scheduled shift."
NYSCOPBA said it has not sanctioned or condoned these actions and several facilities are not participating and are operating normally.
"The leadership of NYSCOPBA met with DOCCS officials and representatives of the Governor’s Office yesterday morning to discuss the well documented concerns of the members that has led to the current situation. Negotiations with the State have continued throughout today between NYSCOPBA and the Governor’s Office towards a resolution," a release says.
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has issued a statement in response to the strike:
"The illegal job actions involving correction officers is jeopardizing the safety and security of their co-workers. The number of illegal job actions impacting DOCCS correctional facilities has expanded to 25.
Visitation has been cancelled in a number of facilities and the Department is updating the list on its social media pages."
Below is a letter we received Monday at the demonstration at Collins Correctional Facility that has a list of demands.
DOCCS has also responded to this series of demands from the striking officers as well. You can read the responses from DOCCS on our website here.
In response to the strike, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she has signed an executive order activating members of the New York National Guard "to help ensure the safety and security of New York State's correctional facilities" while the strike continues. You can read more here.
We also spoke with the families and supporters of these officers, who are raising their voices in frustration over unsafe conditions. You can read more here.
NYSCOPBA released an original statement on the matter Monday morning after corrections officers went on strike at Collins and Elmira.
"NYSCOPBA is keenly aware of the current situation at both Collins and Elmira Correctional Facilities. The staff that have gathered outside of both facilities, and who refused to enter the facility for their respective shifts, was not in any way sanctioned by NYSCOPBA.
At both facilities, staff chose to not enter for their work shifts as a result of their discontentment with current working conditions.
NYSCOPBA will continue to monitor both situations and all inquiries on current staffing levels at both facilities should be directed to DOCCS.
As the situation evolves, we will keep you updated as best as possible."
We spoke with Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President, at the demonstration in Collins on Monday. He said the workers are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to meet with the union.
"Start listening to us," Gold said. "They're doing something that they know is illegal to try to garner attention for what's going on inside those walls and fences."
You can watch the full interview with Gold from Monday directly below.
“This is crippling our people's home lives, I mean they have absolutely no family life whatsoever, “ said Pamela Welch, treasurer, NYSCOPBA.
Welch said while she supports the employees' efforts, the union did not authorize this strike, making it illegal and workers could face disciplinary action and be fined.
“We're trying to quell it. We’re trying to help say, 'Hey you know —you shouldn't be out here doing this,' but they don't care anymore. They're not going to listen to us,” Welch replied.
Those who were working their shifts when this strike started have to remain on the job at the facility.
“They’re probably going to be in there for the long haul,” Welch said.
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has stated in response to the strikes on Monday:
“Since Commissioner Martuscello took office, the State negotiated a new labor agreement with NYSCOPBA that includes yearly salary increases, increases in location pay, and paid parental leave. We have also instituted new policies and procedures to reduce the amount of contraband entering our facilities to increase the safety of all within our facilities. We value our employees and are dedicated to continuing the recruiting efforts to increase security staffing in all DOCCS correctional facilities to restore the important work life balance for all.
“The job actions initiated by some rogue NYSCOPBA members, at Collins and Elmira Correctional Facilities this morning are illegal and unlawful. We are committed to engaging the union in order to return staff to work and resume normal operations at the two facilities.
“Visitation at both facilities have been cancelled until further notice.”
The strike comes following a three-day lockdown of the Collins Correctional Facility last week.
The lockdown ended Saturday after a frisk of the inmates was completed. The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision says 23 weapons were recovered during that search.
WATCH: '70% is the new 100%': New York State Department of Corrections workers worry about potential job cuts
DOCCS said corrections officers used force to recover two cellphones from an inmate Tuesday night, but that the situation was "de-escalated" by staff.
However, despite claiming staff "de-escalated" the situation, DOCCS also said there were threats that caused staff members to exit their posts at the dorms inside the prison willingly.
The commissioner of the entire department, Daniel F. Martuscello III, traveled to Collins, activated emergency protocols and then locked the entire prison down for three days.
For months, the 7 News I-Team has been hearing from corrections officers inside prisons across Western New York about concerns for their safety and staffing levels and how it's impacting how they do their jobs. You can watch Chief Investigator Ed Drantch's reporting directly below.