“From day one, we have made very clear that our members’ employment rights, as civil servants, are protected under New York Civil Service law and today’s ruling reinforces that fact. While interpretations of today’s ruling may vary, it’s important to note that COBA’s arguments concerning our members’ rights to representation and collective bargaining were reflected in the Judge’s order. We are willing to work productively with whomever is ultimately appointed the Remediation Manager, while maintaining our fierce advocacy for the preservation of our members’ employment rights and improving their working conditions.
No other workforce in this city has had to endure the unprecedented challenges that we have faced in the last five years, from significant staffing shortages, resulting in a reduction of nearly 40% of our workforce to increased assaults, including sexual assaults against our members. The city’s jails cannot operate without us and no matter what the new management of our jails looks like, the path towards a safer jail system begins with supporting the essential men and women who help run the jails every day.”
Benny Boscio
COBA President
