The Auburn Citizen reports Correction Officers employed at three New York Prisons are on Strike, an extraordinary response to what they view as New York State's failure to address unsafe working conditions at the facilities. Guards at the Collins (in Erie County), Elmira and Groveland Correctional Facilities began the strikes on Monday (February 17th). The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), which represents the Officers, said it did not sanction the Strikes: "Staff chose to not enter for their work shifts as a result of their discontentment with current working conditions.”

Meanwhile, WIVB-TV in Buffalo reported the Union-represented Corrections Officers admit they are breaking New York’s Taylor Law by doing so. State Law prohibits Public Employees from striking, which can lead to fines and other discipline. “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. 

To Read & Watch These Labor News Reports In Their Entirety, Go To: Correction officers on strike at two NY prisons And Officers striking outside of Collins Correctional Facility | News 4 Buffalo