The illegal strike by corrections officers and sergeants in New York State has entered its second week, with tensions escalating as the state names 300 officers in court filings in an effort to force them back to work.
The strike, which has led to lockdowns across nearly 40 state prisons, is being met with legal action from Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, increasing pressure on striking officers.
State Takes Legal Action Against Striking Officers
Key Developments:
- The state has identified 300 striking correction workers in a court filing, a move that could lead to contempt charges and possible arrests.
- The Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from striking, is being used to justify legal action.
- Some officers have already been served legal notices at home, causing many to cover their faces while protesting outside Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining.
Strike spokesperson Israel Sanchez condemned the state’s actions, stating:
“Our governor has made several threats about having these guys arrested because of the Taylor Law. More threats to scare our guys into going back to work.”
While the correction officers’ union has not authorized the strike, mediation efforts have made little progress in ending the standoff.
Why Are Corrections Officers on Strike?
Main Demand: Rollback of the HALT Reforms
- The officers are protesting against New York’s HALT Act, which reduced the use of solitary confinement in prisons.
- Since the HALT Act took effect in 2022, assaults on prison staff have increased, making prisons more dangerous.
- Officers argue that mandatory overtime—sometimes requiring 24-hour shifts—is pushing workers to the brink due to staffing shortages.
Governor Hochul claims that 90% of correction officers and sergeants have walked off the job at nearly 40 prisons statewide, affecting operations and safety.
Impact on Prisons & Inmates
Visitation Suspended
- The strike has led to a complete lockdown in many facilities, with visits canceled indefinitely.
- Incarcerated individuals are reportedly spending long hours in confinement, adding strain to an already tense situation.
Family Members Speak Out
A woman named Melanie, whose son is incarcerated at Five Points Correctional Facility, described the situation:
“It is lockdown. It is 100% lockdown.”
Melanie, who is part of the Center for Community Alternatives, acknowledged the complexity of the issue:
“These guys are suffering trauma in the facilities. Not gonna make anyone safer. I see both sides of the issue. I think it’s important we come together for the same goal—safety for correction officers and incarcerated people.”
