Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - There is no end in sight to the corrections officers strike at 32 state prisons.
The state has begun terminating health insurance for officers who have
missed, at least, 11 consecutive shifts, and as of Monday, the state
had fired fewer than 10 striking corrections officers.
"This is an unprecedented strike going on," said Labor Attorney Rob Boreanaz, with Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP. "It's historical for its length and its size."
Corrections officers, for the most part, have said "no deal" to the state after days of mediation. But since the strike was not sanctioned by the union, were the officers being fairly represented at the table?
"Right now, it's very chaotic for the members," Boreanaz said. "I know there have been some attempts to get representatives at the table on behalf of the officers. I don't think that's going to happen, but at some point, something has to give because neither side is budging in this dispute."
Related
The strike started back Feb. 17, and is in its 16th day as of Tuesday.
There is a lot at stake for the striking officers.
"They're losing their paycheck and they're being fined two days for every day that they are off the job. In addition, they could be arrested for being in contempt of court. These are high stakes, yet, I'm being told that a few have gone back to work, while a vast majority are staying out until they accomplish their goals," Boreanaz added.
Taylor Law is a labor statute that prohibits public employees from striking in New York State. But who has the upper hand in the strike at this time?
"I think right now the striking officers have the upper hand. I think there's going to be some problems in these facilities without these professional corrections officers. And I think the state legislature really needs to jump in and make the solution to end this strike," Boreanaz said.