Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York State has filed an injunction under the Taylor Law on Wednesday to end the strikes initiated by correction officers protesting working conditions at state-run facilities.
More than 30 correctional facilities are experiencing work refusals by correction officers participating in these strikes, which began three days ago at Collins Correctional and Elmira Correctional facilities.
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Legal expert Barry Covert says the court ordered the New York State Correctional Officers and Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) to inform striking correction officers to resume their duties immediately, pending an oral argument on the case scheduled for this coming Tuesday, February, 25.
WBEN has obtained a copy of the DOCCS memorandum sent to all prison superintendents by State Commissioner Daniel Martuscello. The memo outlines the Temporary Restraining Order and the disciplinary actions union members would face if they fail to comply with the order.
"If they don't return, they could be held in civil contempt, even conceivably criminal contempt, but that would be a bit unusual," said Covert in an interview with WBEN. "For a Taylor Act violation, they could lose two days of pay for every one day that they remain out on strike. The union could also be sanctioned for supporting these acts. So there are a lot of methods. There could be penalties to both the union and the workers for not returning to work now that the judge has signed the order."
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says she hopes this will bring a swift end to the strikes, which she has publicly condemned.
"In an effort to resolve this illegal work stoppage I have directed the appointment of highly respected independent mediator Martin Scheinman who will begin work immediately to return striking correction officers back to work," said Hochul in a statement. "While I am confident we will resolve this illegal strike, I am grateful for the thousands of correction officers and staff that are continuing to report for duty - I thank them for their continued service and for doing the right thing."