CSEA Reaches Agreement with New York State on vacation leave for workers affected by illegal DOCCS strike

ALBANY, NY (03/11/2025) (readMedia)-- CSEA and the State of New York today reached an agreement to extend to April 1, 2026, accrued vacation leave for Department of Correctional Services and Community Supervision (DOCCS) workers who were impacted by the recent illegal strike of corrections officers and corrections sergeants at multiple state correctional facilities across the state.

This agreement will allow CSEA-represented employees of DOCCS and the Office of Mental Health who were assigned to work in a DOCCS facility between Feb. 17, 2025, and April 1, 2025, who would other forfeit accrued vacation leave on April 12, 2025, to be given until the close of business on April 1, 2026, to use such excess vacation credits. Any such unused excess vacation credits as of the close of business on April 12, 2026, will be forfeited by employees.

CSEA had earlier secured increased overtime pay and safety protections for members impacted by the strike.

"We applaud Governor Hochul and her administration for extending accrued vacation leave for CSEA members who showed up to their jobs every day during the crisis," said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. "I also thank our union members, who stepped up in a tough situation and ensured the safety and security of the facilities and care of inmates while facing long shifts and exhaustive hours. CSEA will continue to push for safer working condition and resources that workers need to continue to do their jobs effectively."

Read the agreement details:

https://cseany.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CSEA_signed_MOA_vacation_accruals-3.11.25.pdf