Albany, N.Y. — The Public Employees Federation (PEF) was notified on Dec. 21 that New York State will close three correctional facilities in 2021. The three facilities — Gowanda Correctional, Watertown Correctional and Clinton Annex — employ more than 100 hard-working members of our union.
In a memo sent to staff at each facility, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) said they “will make every effort to assist each facility employee to transfer into an available, funded, vacant position at another correctional facility with the Department, or with another state agency.”
As a union, we are committed to making sure DOCCS upholds that promise. We have already begun contacting impacted members and will work closely with each of them as they work through this very personal process.
“There is never a good time to find out your job is disappearing, but this holiday season at the end of an exceptionally traumatic year is especially tough,” said PEF President Wayne Spence. “Our hearts go out to the PEF members now forced to make life-changing decisions. We are committed to helping them navigate the situation and continue their fulfilling careers with New York State.”