View from outside Attica Correctional Facility on Thursday
Statement from Mediator
On February 19, 2025, I was contacted by representatives from Governor Kathy Hochul’s office and
representatives from the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association
(“NYSCOPBA”). The parties requested my and my team’s immediate involvement as an independent mediator to quickly and equitably resolve the strike at numerous Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (“DOCCS”) facilities.
Upon meeting with the parties via Zoom yesterday afternoon, I agreed to help and to do so
quickly.
To this end, as my colleagues and I enter this dispute, I am mindful of the February 19, 2025, Order of State Supreme Court Judge Dennis Ward and the underlying safety concerns raised by the present situation. I am concerned this process to facilitate a meaningful resolution of the Union’s issues may be frustrated by disregarding the Court’s Order.
I have determined it is in the parties’ best interests to set an aggressive mediation schedule to discuss numerous outstanding issues fueling the strike.
The parties will conduct an introductory informational session this week via Zoom to present an overview of initial positions and issues.
Three days of mediation shall be conducted on February 25, 26, and 27, 2025. Additional days shall be scheduled as needed.
The following mediation teams shall attend:
NYSCOPBA:
(1) President Chris Summers
(2) Executive Vice President Matt Keough
(3) William P. Golderman (counsel)
(4) Gregory T. Myers (counsel)
(5) Keith R. Jacques (counsel)
The State of New York:
(1) Office of Employee Relations Director Michael Volforte
(2) DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello
I am confident this mediation process can help the parties open a constructive dialogue to move towards resolution of their differences. I look forward to working with both teams to ensure a fair and thoughtful discussion of their concerns takes place.
Martin F. Scheinman, Esq.
Mediator
Scheinman Arbitration and Mediation Services
I believe you should have some of the men and women who actually work in the prison not part of management not the ones that are calling the strike to end but the actual men and women that work there on a daily basis as they are the only ones who can truly Bring to light the working conditions of day-to-day in the facilities. Representative Nick Langworthy I give you much credit to actually going out and meeting with people regarding the issues that need to be resolved. I have family members who have both been incarcerated and work as a correction officers. There needs to be some change!