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State Issues Ultimatum On Prison Strike

Corrections officers who are still striking have been put on notice.

In a statement issued Sunday afternoon, New York state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello said those who continue to strike on Monday will start being penalized by the state. “I’ve been talking to a lot of staff over the past weeks, (Saturday) 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,” he said.

“My message to you is this is the final push. Tomorrow, Monday March 3, anyone who remains on strike will have their and their dependents’ 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 open dialogue on making facilities safer places to work.”

More than 30 facilities in the state have been impacted by the strikes, including those in Collins and Brocton. An agreement was announced by the New York State Corrections Officers and Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents the prison employees, and the state by a mediator late Thursday.

It temporarily suspends the HALT Act, which deals with solitary confinement while also touching on staffing, overtime and other issues.

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