Prison Guards’ Strike Triggers Disaster Response by NY Governor Hochul

Long hallway with prison cells on both sides.

New York’s prison system plunges into chaos as Governor Hochul deploys National Guard to replace striking corrections officers.

Quick Takes

Governor Hochul declares “disaster emergency” and activates National Guard amid prison guard strike
Corrections officers strike over safety concerns and opposition to the HALT Act
National Guard members face challenges in maintaining order within prisons
Strikes spread to multiple facilities, including Riverview, Marcy, Mid-State, and Mohawk
Governor issues temporary restraining order, declaring strikes illegal

National Guard Deployed as Prison Guards Walk Out

New York’s correctional system has been thrown into turmoil as prison guards strike across the state. Governor Kathy Hochul has taken the extraordinary step of declaring a statewide disaster emergency and deploying the National Guard to maintain order in the affected facilities. The strikes have spread to nearly all of New York’s 42 prisons, prompting a significant crisis in the state’s correctional infrastructure.

The striking corrections officers are demanding better pay, increased visitor searches, and a reversal of reforms that limit the use of solitary confinement. At the heart of their grievances is the HALT Act, which restricts the use of segregated confinement and promotes alternative therapeutic and rehabilitative options. Corrections officers argue that this act has compromised safety and order within the prisons, favoring inmates and reducing disciplinary measures.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has activated the New York National Guard amid an ongoing strike at state prisons.

"These disruptive and unsanctioned work stoppages by some corrections officers must end."https://t.co/Xn3301MQbq

— 13WHAM (@13WHAM) February 19, 2025

Governor’s Response and Legal Action

Governor Hochul has taken a firm stance against the strikes, declaring them illegal and issuing a temporary restraining order under the Taylor Law. This order mandates striking officers to cease their activities and return to work, with potential fines or sanctions for non-compliance. The governor’s office has been in negotiations with union representatives to resolve the situation, but tensions remain high with Hochul stating “I am directing everyone involved in these unlawful strikes to stop these actions immediately. Legal action has already commenced to ensure compliance.”

The New York State Department of Corrections has issued a memorandum addressing workforce restoration and has suspended certain elements of the HALT Act and staffing reductions in an attempt to address the strikers’ concerns. However, the situation remains volatile, with reports of unrest at various correctional facilities, including a significant emergency response at Riverview Correctional Facility.

National Guard Faces Challenges

The deployment of National Guard troops to facilities such as Bare Hill Correctional Facility and Attica Correctional Facility has been met with mixed results. Their tasks include distributing meals and medication, as well as maintaining general order within the prisons. However, reports suggest that some National Guard members have retreated from unsafe conditions, highlighting the complexity and danger of the situation they’ve been thrust into.

The strikes have spread to local facilities in the Mohawk Valley, including Marcy, Mid-State, and Mohawk, further straining the state’s ability to maintain order and safety within its correctional system. Current corrections officers are prohibited from speaking to the media, but retired officers have spoken on their behalf, emphasizing the need for safe working conditions before returning to duty.

Ongoing Negotiations and Future Implications

As the strike continues, negotiations between the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) and the Governor’s Office are ongoing. The union leadership has acknowledged that the strike was not authorized, potentially complicating efforts to reach a resolution. New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association spokesperson James Miller stated “Negotiations with the State have continued throughout today between NYSCOPBA and the Governor´s Office towards a resolution,”

The ongoing crisis in New York’s prison system highlights the deep-seated issues within the state’s correctional framework. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state will balance the safety concerns of corrections officers with the reform measures implemented through the HALT Act. The resolution of this conflict will likely have far-reaching implications for prison management and labor relations in New York and potentially across the nation.