More than 330 New York correction officers were named in an amended court petition as Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration moves closer to enforcing a temporary restraining order against the illegal prison strike. State officials have begun serving judicial orders, warning officers of possible arrests if they do not return to work.
The strike, which began Feb. 17, has spread to over 30 prisons, leading to severe staffing shortages and inmate transfers. National Guard troops and state police have been deployed to assist. Officers cite unsafe conditions following the 2022 ban on long-term solitary confinement, claiming assaults have surged.
Negotiations continue, but many officers remain on strike despite threats of job termination and loss of health benefits. Meanwhile, deteriorating prison conditions have sparked growing concerns from inmate advocates.
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