Correctional Officers’ Protest Escalates as State Implements New Measures
The ongoing strike by correctional officers across New York State has now entered a new phase. Workers are still picketing outside facilities, including the Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County, demanding safer working conditions, better staffing, and an end to excessive overtime. Meanwhile, the state is taking new steps to end the protest.
The strike, which has impacted nearly 30 of the state’s 42 prisons, began in response to what officers call dangerously unsafe working conditions. Governor Kathy Hochul has called the strike illegal under the Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from walking off the job. In response, the state canceled visitations at all prisons and announced that National Guard troops would be deployed to help manage the facilities.
Now, new actions are being taken by the state government. Governor Hochul has signed an Executive Order authorizing the deployment of the National Guard and additional compensation for officers who return to work. Commissioner Daniel Martuscello issued a memo titled “Path to Restoring Workforce,” outlining key changes, including:
- Suspending certain elements of the HALT Act under “exceptional circumstances.”
- Rescinding staffing restrictions to allow for more flexibility.
- Increasing overtime pay to 2.5 times the regular rate for working officers.
- Ensuring no disciplinary action against employees who return to work before the midnight deadline.
The union representing the officers, New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, has distanced itself from the strike, citing legal restrictions, but continues to mediate between workers and the state.
Closer to home, the Sullivan County Legislature has now passed a resolution urging Governor Hochul to revoke the HALT Act. Nadia Rajsz, Chair of the Sullivan County Legislature, stated, "Our corrections officers are suffering. They are out there picketing with informational pickets. The HALT Act should be removed." The HALT Act, designed to limit the use of solitary confinement, has been a major point of contention among officers, who argue it has led to an increase in violent incidents against staff.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on how the state and correctional officers will navigate this crisis. Will the new measures be enough to end the strike?
