Officers striking outside of Collins Correctional Facility

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Several corrections officers are striking outside of Collins Correctional Facility Monday.

The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association said that the job action “was not in any way sanctioned by NYSCOPBA.” However, union members are calling it a strike and admit they are breaking state law by doing so. State law prohibits public employees from striking, which can lead to fines and other discipline.

There are also corrections officers picketing at a facility in Elmira and at Groveland Correctional in Livingston County, with staff at the facilities refusing to enter for their shifts.

“They’re striking because of working conditions,” union representative Kenny Gold said. “They’ve had a lot of incidents recently and they don’t believe they’re being heard. It’s something that’s been ongoing for quite some time … they’re doing something they know is illegal to try to garner attention for what’s going on inside those walls and fences.”

Prison guards are demanding mandated body scans for visitors, scans of incoming mail to inmates, a $5,000 bonus for new employees and no overtime mandates over 16 hours, according to the union. They also wish to reverse the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) act.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) said in a statement that the “job actions initiated by some rogue NYSCOPBA members” are “illegal and unlawful.”

Some employees currently inside the jail on Monday morning are not being allowed to leave, Gold said. Visits at both facilities have been cancelled until further notice.

DOCCS said it is committed to “engaging the union” to return the officers to work and resume operations at the two facilities.

“Since Commissioner [Daniel] 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,” DOCCS said. “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. “

Collins Correctional Facility went on lockdown Wednesday morning following a group of prisoners barricading themselves inside of a dorm. The lockdown was lifted on Saturday.

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