Correction union sues city over 'unsafe' conditions as DOC chief releases plan to address complaints
The city’s jail officers union sued the Department of Correction this week, alleging that officers are being forced to work in “unsafe and unhealthy working conditions,” including 20-plus hour shifts and failing to provide adequate protective gear at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The suit comes as the department faces considerable scrutiny over inmate deaths, mistaken releases and rising assaults on officers, and as the department’s new commissioner releases a plan to address long standing issues.
A recent report from a court-appointed independent monitor excoriated its staff and management, finding widespread failures and low morale. The city is currently investigating an incident where an inmate, Robert Jackson, 42, was found dead in his cell on June 30 after a guard left his post due to exhaustion.
Last week, after the correction union snubbed the parade honoring essential workers, the department’s own commissioner, Vincent Schiraldi, lambasted employees who repeatedly call in sick, forcing others to work double and triple shifts, saying that those out sick “should be ashamed of themselves.”
Read more: https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2021/07/16/correction-union-sues-city-over--unsafe-and-unhealthy--conditions