ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- March 6 marked day 18 of the New York State corrections officer strike. Some officers who remained outside the Elmira Correctional Facility were seen dismantling their picket line on Thursday, signaling that something could be in the works to end the strike.

As WENY News reported on February 27, the New York State Department of Corrections and NYSCOPBA, the officers union, agreed to end the strike. However, that deal was rejected by an overwhelming majority of officers on strike. They said that deal was made without them, and that they were not included in negotiations. Therefore, they remained on the picket line.

Some of those officers said the deal did not address the safety demands that caused them to strike in the first place.

WENY News spoke with several officers still on strike in Elmira who shared that they had voted on a potential deal on Thursday. They said they weren't entirely satisfied with the deal, as it doesn't repeal the HALT Act, but say it's a step.

This evening, DOCCS Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III and Commissioner Jackie Bray of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services held a press conference to discuss Thursday's events and what is now being outlined as a potential deal for officers.

Commissioner Martuscello said striking offers provided him with a "tenants of agreement" needed for them to return to work. The document was an altered copy of the deal that was made between DOCCS, the state, and NYSCOPBA on February 27.

Martuscello added that since this original agreement wasn't accepted by officers, it essentially became null and void.

The new deal was struck between DOCCS and members of NYSCOPBA, however, the union says they were not involved in this process. The union refused to sign a memo agreeing to new terms so, DOCCS offered the deal directly to workers.

On Thursday evening, NYSCOPBA released the following statement:

"Today, multiple media outlets reported about a potential negotiated deal between DOCCS and NYSCOPBA members who continue to strike.

Yesterday, in our press conference, we stated that there were outside parties interjecting themselves into negotiations on behalf of our members at selected facilities who continue to refuse to go to work. Many concessions that are being reportedly agreed upon, are already included in the mediator’s consent award that NYSCOPBA leaders negotiated with DOCCS and the State of New York last week.

NYSCOPBA was not appropriately engaged in the development of the currently circulating agreement. This agreement was not negotiated with NYSCOPBA—the legally recognized entity through which all negotiations must be conducted. There are substantial legal issues that must be addressed, and as presented, this agreement does not represent the best interests of our membership.

At this time, NYSCOPBA will not be signing this agreement. However, we are actively working to engage DOCCS and New York State in reopening the Consent Award process with the mediator. This approach would ensure that any resulting Consent Award is legally binding in court."

 

In the press conference, the commissioners also shared that, regardless of termination or resignation status, the new deal made between DOCCS and striking corrections officers will be applicable to corrections officers and sergeants who return to work on Friday, March 7 at 6:45 A.M. and 6:45 P.M. if they work the night shift.

"I want to be exceedingly clear," said Commisioner Bray. "This deal is for those who return tomorrow and only for those who have previously returned, who remained on the job, or for those who return tomorrow. Any corrections officer or any sergeant who does not return to work tomorrow, the terms will not apply and this deal will not be offered again."

Some of the terms and measures listed in the updated deal include:

  • Working on the creation of a committee on safety dealing with the HALT Act
  • HALT Act remaining on pause for the next 90 days
  • Staff to work 12 hour shifts until normal staffing returns then return to 8 hour shift
  • 2.5 times overtime for 30 days
  • No criminal proceedings for any Taylor Law violations
  • Health insurance reinstated
  • National Guard to remain for help

As of publishing, no word on whether or not striking officers plan to take the deal as outlined by DOCCS.

WENY News will continue to provide updates as they are made available.