NEW YORK — On Thursday, New York state corrections authorities urged prison guards involved in a strike to embrace a final offer allowing them to return to duty without penalties, despite objections from union heads.
Daniel Martuscello, the commissioner of New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, introduced this offer as the illegal strike persisted into its 18th day. This deal is exclusive to those who resume their work shifts by Friday.
Martuscello stated that the proposal considers suggestions made by striking employees whom he met during recent picketing activities. Among the proposal’s terms are assurances that officers will not face disciplinary measures upon returning, a reintegration of those already dismissed for leaving their posts, and the swift reactivation of their health insurance.
Additional elements include concessions from an earlier arrangement, disregarded by the workforce, such as a temporary 90-day halt on state legislation restricting solitary confinement’s use, which many staff believe has compromised prison safety.
“I listened to my workforce,” Martuscello affirmed during a virtual call unveiling the proposal. “This offer encompasses their requests.”
The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ commissioner, Jackie Bray, cautioned that this proposal stands as the final opportunity. The state will proceed with disciplinary measures against non-compliant employees by Friday, including terminations and exploring “all legal actions — both criminal and civil — to conclude this unlawful strike,” she asserted.
State officials have forwarded the identities of approximately 1,000 striking guards to Attorney General Letitia James’ office for evaluation on contempt charges.
“We urge you to return. We need you to resume your roles. It’s essential you come back to work tomorrow,” Bray emphasized.
A representative from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association did not immediately reply to inquiries for comments.
Earlier that day, the union, representing over 13,000 correction staff, declared its refusal to accept the latest proposal, citing unresolved “significant legal issues.” The organization asserted that NYSCOPBA was inadequately consulted during the creation of the latest agreement, which ought to have been negotiated with them — the legally acknowledged body for such discussions.
Prison guards commenced their protest on Feb. 17, defying state norms prohibiting walkouts by most public sector workers. Subsequently, Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed thousands of National Guard members to manage state prisons.
Last Thursday, Hochul, a member of the Democratic Party, announced a binding resolution between state officials and the union leaders meant to halt the protests. The agreement requested officers return to posts by Saturday to avert punitive measures for their unauthorized strike.
Highlights of this resolution included a temporary increase in overtime pay and approaches to address staffing inadequacies and lessen compulsory 24-hour overtime shifts, among other initiatives.
Concurrently, 15 employees have been put on administrative leave as investigations continue into the death of Messiah Nantwi, a 22-year-old inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy. This incident follows the indictment of six guards on murder charges related to the December death of Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility, in proximity to Mid-State prison.
