Since August 4, a total of 17 corrections officers in WNY have been hospitalized due to chemical exposures.
One retired NYS CO is currently raising funds with the aim of creating a safe working environment for his former colleagues.
Vinny Blasio has dedicated 27 years of his career to serving the New York State Department of Corrections.
After retiring from his position as a corrections officer, Blasio has assumed a new role as a champion for his former colleagues. Unfortunately, these individuals are unable to share their experiences with the media due to concerns about potential repercussions on their employment.
Blasio expressed that the men and women of corrections approached him, feeling voiceless and seeking his assistance in conveying their concerns. They provided him with information and expressed their desire to go on strike. Blasio believes their conviction is strong, rating it at a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10.
What is the stance of New York State law on public employees going on strike?
According to Professor Art Wheaton, the Director of Labor Studies at Cornell University, the Taylor Law in New York state explicitly prohibits correctional officers from going on strike.
Wheaton explained that according to the law, unions are prohibited from going on strike. He emphasized that every day spent on strike could result in a loss of two days’ pay, and the leaders of the strike may even face imprisonment.
Instead, Blasio took the initiative to start his own “S.T.R.I.K.E.” program.
Instead of promoting a labor strike, he has taken a different approach by initiating a fundraiser to assist the COs who have been affected by hazardous working conditions.
Mayor Blasio stated that the funds would be utilized to support the officers in various ways, including covering hospital bills and providing additional pay.
In just three days, he managed to raise over $5,000.
On August 4th, an incident occurred at Collins Correctional Facility where 11 officers and one inmate were hospitalized due to exposure to an unknown chemical.
11 people were hospitalized at Collins Correctional facility after being exposed to a chemical, with multiple officers requiring Narcan for treatment.
On August 7, a group of elected leaders, union members, and corrections officers from Western New York joined forces to hold the state laws and the governor responsible for the hazardous working conditions faced by officers.
Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy believes that it is important to share these stories. He holds Democrats in Albany responsible for passing laws that he argues are giving special treatment to criminals.
“Putting Corrections Officers in Danger: WNY Leaders Blame NYS Laws”
Western New York (WNY) leaders have reached a breaking point when it comes to the safety of corrections officers. They firmly believe that the current laws in New York State (NYS) are endangering the lives of these dedicated professionals. In a resounding declaration, they assert, “Enough is enough.”
The alarming situation has prompted WNY leaders to take a stand and shed light on the issue. They argue that the existing legislation fails to adequately protect corrections officers, leaving them vulnerable to dangerous and life-threatening situations. These leaders firmly believe that it is time for a change.
According to WNY officials, the current laws do not offer enough safeguards to ensure the safety of corrections officers while they carry out their duties in prisons and detention facilities. This lack of protection has resulted in numerous incidents where officers have been subjected to violence, assaults, and even death.
One of the major concerns raised by WNY leaders is the limited use of force options available to corrections officers. They argue that the restrictive laws prevent officers from effectively managing and de-escalating potentially dangerous situations. This, in turn, puts both officers and inmates at a higher risk of harm.
Furthermore, WNY leaders point to the lack of proper staffing levels as a significant issue contributing to the unsafe environment for corrections officers. They argue that understaffing puts a strain on the officers, making it difficult for them to maintain order and respond to emergencies effectively.
The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. WNY leaders are calling for immediate action to address these deficiencies in the current laws. They are demanding increased protections, including better training, enhanced use of force options, and adequate staffing levels.
In conclusion, WNY leaders are voicing their concerns over the safety of corrections officers, blaming the current laws in NYS for putting these dedicated professionals in danger. Their resounding message is clear: it is time for a change.
On August 8, there was an incident at the Wyoming Correctional Facility that resulted in six officers being sent to local medical facilities. The New York State Department of Corrections is currently investigating the incident.
The department transported the individuals “out of an abundance of caution” when they discovered a substance on one of the inmates.
There have been two exposure incidents in Western New York prisons this week, and here is an update on them.
Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged the safety concerns raised by corrections officers during her visit to Erie County on Monday.
“I am thoroughly examining every aspect because we have a duty to ensure the safety of everyone involved in our corrections system,” expressed Hochul.
According to her, investigations into the chemical exposures at both Collins Correctional and Wyoming Correctional are still ongoing, and no results have been released yet.
