Overthrowing an Emperor in the Empire State

Hundreds of AFSCME COs demonstrated in front of several New York prisons in August and September, protesting conditions inside the facilities and denouncing the "tyrannical rule" of Wende Correctional Facility Superintendent Frank Irvin.

"We are not Frank Irvin's feudal serfs and this is not his fiefdom," said Council 82 Pres. Richard Abrahamson during an Aug. 22 rally outside Wende. "This man manages through fear and intimidation."

Council 82 is calling for Irvin's removal.

Protests at Sullivan, Auburn and Cape Vincent Correctional Facilities drew COs from throughout the state. Officers said they were concerned about security in the face of overcrowding and understaffing, violence and drugs in the prison, and the constant danger presented by communicable diseases.

"Our members are behind these walls at least eight hours a day and we must do all we can to ensure their health and safety," said Local 1871 Pres. Chris Barrette during the Sept. 10 rally at Auburn, a maximum security prison. "If Albany turns a deaf ear and we have to take our case to the people, that's what we'll do."