UPDATE 11:40 A.M.: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17: Recently, NYSCOPBA released a statement surrounding the current situation at Elmira Correctional Facility and Collins. It reads:

"NYSCOPBA is keenly aware of the current situation at both Collins and Elmira Correctional Facilities.   The staff that have gathered outside of both facilities, and who refused to enter the facility for their respective shifts, was not in any way sanctioned by NYSCOPBA.  

At both facilities,  staff chose to not enter for their work shifts as a result of their discontentment with current working conditions. NYSCOPBA will continue to monitor both situations and all inquiries on current staffing levels at both facilities should be directed to DOCCS.   As the situation evolves, we will keep you updated as best as possible."

 

ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- A large number of corrections officers are holding a demonstration outside of the Elmira Correctional Facility, which started early Monday morning.

Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) employees staged across the street from the Elmira Correctional Facility were tight-lipped about the reason they are gathered, refusing to say if they were on strike, hosting an informational picket, or other type of demonstration. WENY's reporter on scene could see the staffers with portable heaters and burn barrels to keep warm, and porta potties had been delivered. 

A similar demonstration is underway Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County, with a large sign seen with the work "STRIKE" on the side of the road, according to ABC affiliate WKBW. Collins Correctional Facility was recently on lockdown for several days, after inmates took control of three dormitory areas inside the prison. 

According to the New York State Public Employees' Fair Employment Act, more commonly known as the Taylor Law, state employees are prohibited from striking. 

WENY News is told a NYSCOPBA union representative will be arriving in Elmira later in the afternoon, after visiting with staff at Collins Correctional. Corrections officers, and state lawmakers have been vocal in recent years about the safety of corrections officers inside state facilities, staffing levels, and state laws restricting the use of solitary confinement, known as the HALT Act. 

This is a developing story. More information will be shared as it is confirmed throughout the day.