6PM UPDATE: The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision posted a letter it says is being sent to striking officers, terminating the employment of those who have missed more than ten consecutive days of work.

The certified letter is dated Sunday, March 2nd. It notifies corrections officers that their absence is unauthorized, and a "satisfactory explanation" for the absence was not given. Therefore, they are deemed to have resigned their position as a corrections officer, effective Sunday. 

It's not known how many corrections officers are receiving the termination letter. As of Sunday, many officers remained on the strike line, both at Elmira Correctional Facility and dozens of others across the state. Officers in strike continue to call for a repeal of the HALT Act, which they say creates unsafe conditions for both prison staff and the incarcerated population inside the correctional facilities.

On Saturday, officers received a text message from the New York State Office of Employee Relations, threatening that those who did not return to work on Saturday March 1, would receive notice of their health insurance being terminated on Monday, March 3. Additionally, employees considered AWOL would begin to receive employment termination notices beginning Sunday. Officers also face the possibility of sanctions, including fines and imprisonment.

Late Thursday evening, the state announced that NYSCOPBA, the corrections officers union, and DOCCS had reached an agreement to compel officers to return to work, after three days of mediation. The consent award did not result in an end to the strike, however. Officers who spoke with WENY News say the terms of the agreement do nothing to improve prison safety in the long term, and they feel as though their demands were not considered during the mediation discussions. 

The consent agreement directed corrections staff to return to work for their respective tours beginning March 1. On Saturday, many officers remained on strike, saying they will not return to work until they feel meaningful changes are made. 

 

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- On Sunday afternoon, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner released a statement amid the ongoing prison strike.  The statement said any officers still on strike on Monday, March 3rd will have their healthcare removed retroactive to the first day they were AWOL.  This follows a text message from the New York State Office of Employee Relations sent out on Saturday night, threatening that officers and sergeants who did not return to work on Saturday will receive a health insurance termination notice, as well as possible notice of termination and contempt sanctions.

In a post, Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III released this statement:

"I've been talking to a lot of staff over the past few weeks, yesterday I was on the road visiting facilities and will be traveling to several prisons again today to thank those that continued to work and welcome back the staff that are returning to their facilities.  My message to you is this is the final push.  Tomorrow, Monday, March 3rd, anyone who remains on strike will have their's and their dependent's healthcare removed retroactive to the first day they were AWOL, and you will not be eligible for COBRA.  I want you to come back to work today.  If you missed your shift, you should still report, and know that we will continue to have an open dialogue on making facilities a safe place to work."

The strike entered day 14 on Sunday, March 2nd.  NYSCOPBA, New York State, and DOCCS reached a deal on Thursday, one that officers say they do not agree with.