WOODBOURNE — Dozens of former and current Woodbourne Correctional Facility workers gathered along Main Street, Woodbourne on Tuesday morning to picket for worker’s safety conditions in New York State Correctional Facilities.

This gathering was part of a larger state-wide movement in which officers and sargeants across Upstate New York prisons across upstate New York, which cite hazardous working conditions.

As of  Wednesday afternoon, there were approximately 30 correctional facilities in which officers/sergeants are participating in either protesting current working conditions inside the prisons or refusing to enter for their scheduled shift.

There are several facilities that are not participating and are operating normally.

The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) put out a statment saying that they have not sanctioned nor condoned the actions of the officers and sargeants.

“The leadership of NYSCOPBA met with DOCCS officials and representatives of the Governor’s Office yesterday morning to discuss the well-documented concerns of the members that has led to the current situation,” stated Director of Public Relations of NYCOPBA James Miller. “Negotiations with the State have continued throughout today between NYSCOPBA and the Governor’s Office towards a resolution.”

One of the protesters explained that the gathering was formed as a result of implemented actions by Governor Kathy Hochul and the “lack of caring from the State of New York”.

“Just yesterday [Monday] there were eight officers who had [exposure to] an unknown chemical substance that they had to be rushed to the hospital,” said the protester, a gentleman who was a former worker at the Woodbourne Correctional Facility and is now supporting the cause with current workers.

According to the protester, the State’s response was that the workers were fatigued and tired.

The previous week in Collins Correctional Facility saw the takeover of the dorms with the correctional officers being able to take it back with the help of teams throughout the state.

“The Department has gotten to the point where they’re losing staff. Nobody wants to take the job,” said the protester. “They’re mandated days and days of overtime, working 24-hour shifts at times and at this point this is their last option, they have no other choice. They’re just trying to get some kind of change.”

Cars were lined up all the way on both sides of the street from the Kosher Inn to the Shell Gas Station up the road.

Additionally, cars and trucks driving through sounded their horns in support and solidarity for the cause.

State’s response

Although Governor Kathy Hochul has taken steps to improve the situation, officers contend that these actions are not enough to resolve the crisis.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of both correctional officers and inmates, and we will continue to work towards fair solutions that address these concerns,” Hochul said in a statement. “Striking is not the answer; we must engage in productive dialogue to create lasting change.”

In order to preserve order and guarantee the security of officers, prisoners and the surrounding communities, Governor Hochul declared plans to send the New York National Guard to correctional facilities.

“The illegal and unlawful actions being taken by a number of correction officers must end immediately,” the governor stated. ““We will not allow these individuals to jeopardize the safety of their colleagues, incarcerated people, and the residents of communities surrounding our correctional facilities.”