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Lawmakers and unions press DOL and civil service on corrections staffing and employee safety amid wildcat strike
Summary
Union leaders and multiple lawmakers told the joint budget committees that chronic short staffing and mandatory double shifts in New York27s correctional facilities have driven up assaults on staff and created a worker-safety crisis.
The hearing expanded beyond budget line items into an on-the-ground staffing and safety crisis in New York27s correctional facilities. Several legislators and union representatives told the committees that chronic short staffing, mandatory double shifts and elevated inmate-on-staff assaults have created unsafe conditions for corrections officers and civilian staff.
Union accounts and concerns: Randy D27Antonio of the Public Employees Federation said members face "dangerous conditions" including assaults, exposure to drugs and bodily fluids and chronic overtime. PEF and other union witnesses said some employees are being asked to return to work while on leaves (medical, workers' compensation or FMLA), raising legal and safety questions for families and workers.
Agency responses: Department of Labor testimony said the agency27s jurisdiction over safety is limited: public employee safety falls primarily within PESH (Public Employee Safety and Health) and DOCS operational responsibility; DOL said it will investigate complaints it receives but deferred many operational questions to DOCS. Civil service officials said they are engaged in recruiting and regional hiring campaigns and highlighted career-center outreach, but acknowledged that some public-safety jobs are hard to fill.
Unresolved legal and operational questions: Lawmakers repeatedly asked whether recalling employees on approved leaves is permissible; state officials declined to provide a blanket legal answer during the hearing and directed some questions to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Committee members pressed for clearer coordination among DOCS, civil service, the DOL and unions to resolve staffing and safety shortfalls.
Next steps: Committees asked agencies to provide additional information on leave rules, PESH complaint processes, and concrete plans for recruiting and retaining correctional staff, and urged accelerated recruitment efforts and supports for affected families.
