State corrections and emergency services officials on Monday provided updates on the ongoing illegal strike by corrections officers, emphasizing efforts to bring staff back to work while outlining disciplinary actions against those who remain off the job.
The strike, which began on Feb. 17 and spread to 38 of the state’s 42 correctional facilities, has prompted emergency responses, including the deployment of the National Guard. Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III acknowledged the difficult working conditions corrections officers face and reiterated the state’s commitment to improving safety and work-life balance.
“As a result of the illegal strike, we immediately began working with unions to identify pathways to return employees to work,” Martuscello said. “Unfortunately, that was unsuccessful, but we agreed to mediation with an independent mediator to better understand the concerns of staff.”
The mediation process led to a consent award, which focuses on improving working conditions, including reducing mandatory 24-hour shifts and providing a safer work environment. However, Martuscello stressed that the award is contingent on officers returning to duty. Since its issuance, six facilities—Green Haven, Fishkill, Shawangunk, Hudson, Taconic, and Sing Sing—have resumed operations, reducing the number of striking facilities to 32.
Despite some progress, the state has begun enforcing penalties against officers who continue to strike. Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray detailed a timeline of events and announced new disciplinary measures.
“Yesterday, we began termination of corrections officers,” Bray said. “Today, we will be terminating health insurance for corrections officers who have been AWOL and their dependents.”
Bray cited the state’s authority under Civil Service Law Section 210, commonly known as the Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from striking. The New York Attorney General’s office has already initiated civil contempt proceedings against more than 350 officers named in a legal action.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has deployed more than 7,000 National Guard members, with 5,300 actively working in prisons to maintain operations. The state has already spent approximately $25 million in response to the strike and estimates costs could reach $106 million per month if it continues.
While officials urged striking officers to return, they acknowledged that some of their concerns—particularly those related to the HALT Act—fall outside of the state’s ability to address through mediation. Martuscello said the consent award includes a 90-day suspension of certain provisions of the HALT Act and a “circuit breaker” provision to determine when facilities are unsafe, both of which are within his legal authority. However, broader changes to the law would require legislative action.
Bray also warned that if officers remain on strike, the state could pursue further legal and disciplinary action, including termination under Article 14.10 of their contract, which deems employees resigned after 10 consecutive unauthorized absences.
The strike’s impact has raised concerns about prison operations. Bray emphasized that the National Guard has been trained on-site by experienced correction officers and is working closely with remaining staff to ensure safety.
“We understand that these are extreme conditions, but the National Guard has been adapting, and they are doing a very good job maintaining safety,” Bray said.
Officials also responded to questions about the death of a 22-year-old inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility over the weekend. Martuscello confirmed that the case has been referred to the Attorney General’s Office and the State Police for an independent investigation, and that staff involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome.
“Any death in custody is a tragedy,” Martuscello said. “We have to wait for the investigation to unfold.”
Bray underscored the state’s intent to fill correctional officer vacancies through recruitment, including offering a $3,000 referral bonus for current DOCCS employees who successfully recruit new officers. However, she maintained that the immediate priority is ending the strike.
“Our facilities run safer when we’re fully staffed,” Bray said. “We need officers to return to work so we can move forward and rebuild a stronger workforce.”
State officials said visitation at all correctional facilities remains suspended but will be reassessed as more facilities return to normal operations.
New York correction officers defy return-to-work order as termination letters go out
Despite mounting pressure from state officials, many New York correction officers continued their strike on Sunday, further disrupting prison operations across the state. The work stoppage, which began on February 17, has led to payroll suspensions, threats of termination, and looming health benefit losses for those refusing to return.
While some officers have returned to duty, many at maximum-security facilities remain on picket lines, demanding immediate reforms to address staffing shortages and rising violence within state prisons. The strike has drawn sharp responses from state officials, who have invoked the Taylor Law to penalize those participating in the unauthorized work stoppage.
Corrections Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III issued termination letters to officers who had not reported back by March 2, citing their failure to provide a satisfactory explanation for their absence. In a letter sent Sunday, Martuscello confirmed that officers absent for ten consecutive workdays without approval were deemed to have resigned, effectively ending their employment with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
Additionally, those terminated have lost their peace officer status, with instructions to surrender any department-issued firearms to local law enforcement. The letter warned that failure to return department property could result in financial penalties or legal action.
Meanwhile, mediation efforts have stalled as officers reject state proposals, arguing that they do not adequately address concerns over prison conditions. Union leaders have accused the state of using legal threats to suppress their demands rather than negotiate in good faith.
As the strike drags on, the state has begun enforcing stricter measures to deter further disruptions, including the possibility of arrests and evictions from state-owned housing for noncompliant officers. Despite these escalating consequences, many correction officers remain defiant, vowing to continue striking until meaningful changes are implemented.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].