State employees facing challenges of increased overtime workloads due to staffing shortages.
New York State has reported a staggering $1.3 billion in overtime costs, representing a significant increase due to staffing shortages across various agencies. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision leads in overtime spending, prompted by rising operational needs and a shrinking workforce. With the state’s overall payroll reaching $21 billion, Governor Kathy Hochul is implementing measures to attract new talent amidst these challenges. The situation raises concerns about public safety and the capacity of state agencies to deliver essential services.
New York – New York State has incurred a staggering $1.3 billion in overtime costs for 2024, marking a significant 10% increase from the previous year. This surge in expenses has occurred amidst ongoing staffing shortages that are felt across state agencies, leading to a rise of more than 7% in the total number of overtime hours worked by state employees, amounting to 24.5 million hours.
The increase has raised concerns, particularly at three agencies that accounted for the bulk of overtime expenditures. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) topped the list with $445 million in overtime costs, equivalent to 7.4 million hours of work. Following DOCCS were the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and the Office of Mental Health whose combined overtime costs have contributed to this upward trend.
Within DOCCS, the average annual overtime hours per employee have risen by 26.3%, with each employee clocking in 325 hours of overtime in 2024. This dramatic increase highlights the challenges the agency faces as its workforce has shrunk by nearly 25% over the past decade. Recent incidents, including unauthorized strikes by correction officers protesting overwhelming workloads and unsafe conditions, have exacerbated the situation, leading to heightened overtime requirements to maintain safety and operational effectiveness within correctional facilities.
In total, New York’s payroll for 2024 reached $21 billion, with overtime accounting for 6.3% of that figure. Notably, the state’s workforce has grown by 3.7% when compared to 2023, with an employment count of 151,309 individuals. A noteworthy milestone was achieved in 2023, as it marked the first time in a decade that new hires outnumbered departures, culminating in a record of 17,504 new hires.
The staffing crisis has been compounded by anticipated retirements, which state officials warn will further strain the workforce. In response to the staffing challenge, Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated several measures aimed at attracting new talent, such as waiving certain exam requirements and introducing $3,000 sign-on bonuses for new correction officer trainees.
Additionally, other state agencies, including the Department of Transportation, State University of New York, and State Police, have also reported increased overtime hours for 2024, reflecting a broader trend across various departments. The ongoing staffing issues were exacerbated earlier this year when Governor Hochul dismissed 2,000 corrections officers due to their participation in an unauthorized strike.
The situation appears to be a critical moment for New York state agencies, highlighting the double-edged challenge of rising operational costs due to overtime and a shrinking workforce. The repercussions of this staffing shortage demand immediate attention as the state continues to grapple with ensuring adequate staffing levels and maintaining public safety in the face of these financial pressures.
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