Failure of current leadership to secure contract angers dozens of delegates; Boscio steps up
Rikers Island, New York, January 21, 2020 – Today, Benny Boscio of Bronx, NY, a twenty-one-year veteran of the New York City Department of Correction, announced that he will run for President of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association (COBA). Boscio has served as a Delegate of COBA since 2005, and currently serves as the organization’s Sergeant at Arms.
“I’m angry and deeply troubled by the spot we’re in today. Correction Officers are treated with an incredible lack of respect – unequaled among any uniformed service in this city. We are constantly scapegoated, and our personal safety is often put at great risk,” said Boscio. “The individuals who should be representing us are more concerned with playing politics than protecting us.”
Earlier this week, current COBA acting President Elias Husamudeen, proposed a contract agreement with the Administration that was overwhelmingly rejected by the delegates. “At a time when Correction Officers are more seriously injured more frequently, jail safety is decreasing, wages are stagnant, and unfair disciplinary actions are commonplace-we need new leadership now more than ever before.” Boscio continued, “I am running to represent this Union the way it deserves to be represented-with dignity.”
Glenn Morgan, COBA Delegate of the Otis Bantum Correctional Center on Rikers Island agrees that the time for change has come, “COBA needs new leadership now. The stakes are too high. I know that Benny has the best interest of our brothers and sisters at heart- he has spent the past two decades advocating for the best outcomes possible for our Department. I support his candidacy, and I look forward to working to elect him.”
Boscio is expected to release more details about his candidacy in the coming weeks.