After nearly two weeks of work stoppage, an agreement has been reached to end the strike by correctional officers in New York state prisons. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the resolution on Thursday night, following intense mediation efforts.
The strike, which began on February 17, disrupted operations at 36 of the state’s 42 prisons and raised concerns over staffing shortages, inmate safety, and working conditions.
While state officials maintain that public safety was their top priority, correctional officers argue that poor working conditions, mandatory overtime, and increased violence against staff led to the protest.
Gov. Hochul’s Statement on the Agreement
Governor Hochul confirmed that the state worked with a mediator to reach a consent award addressing officers’ concerns while ensuring prison safety:
“My top priority is the safety of all New Yorkers. For the past 11 days, I have deployed every possible state resource to protect correction officers, incarcerated individuals, and local communities. Working with a mediator, we have reached a consent award to address concerns, restore safe operations, and prevent future unsanctioned work stoppages.”
Hochul also acknowledged the efforts of correction officers, civilian employees, National Guard personnel, and prison staff who worked to maintain order during the strike.
Why Did Correctional Officers Strike?
The unsanctioned strike was driven by multiple concerns, primarily:
The 2022 HALT Act: Officers argue that the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) Act led to a spike in assaults on prison staff by reducing the use of solitary confinement.
Staffing Shortages & Mandatory Overtime: Officers claim that a lack of recruits has forced them to work excessive overtime, increasing stress and security risks.
Assemblyman Matt Slater:
“It’s putting so many people at risk within our correctional facilities and correctional system.”
Strike Spokesperson Israel Sanchez:
“We’d like to resolve security issues first, then work on staffing concerns through negotiations.”
Legal Challenges & State Response
The strike, which violated New York’s Taylor Law, was not authorized by the officers’ union. As tensions escalated, the state took legal action:
- Court Orders Issued: The state listed names in court filings to force officers back to work.
- National Guard Deployed: Gov. Hochul assigned National Guard troops to assist in prisons.
- Visitations Suspended: To maintain security, prison visits were canceled.
Despite these actions, officers continued picketing at several facilities until a resolution was reached.
Concerns Over Inmate Deaths During the Strike
During the second week of the strike, two more inmates died, raising questions about prison conditions and whether staffing shortages played a role.
- Anthony Douglas, 67 – Died by hanging at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. He was serving 122 years for murder and rape.
- Franklyn Dominguez, 35 – Convicted of assault, but the cause of death is under investigation.
- Jonathon Grant, 61 – Found unresponsive in his Auburn Correctional Facility cell. His cause of death is pending autopsy results.
State records show that three inmates died at Sing Sing in 2023, highlighting ongoing concerns about prison conditions and inmate welfare.
While the strike has ended, negotiations on staffing levels, security policies, and the HALT Act are expected to continue. Both correctional officers and state officials will work towards long-term solutions to prevent future disruptions.
New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Statement:
“Confidential talks have been constructive, and we remain hopeful that continued dialogue will bring this situation to a close in a way that ensures the stability of the state’s prisons and the safety of everyone involved.”
