As strikes at New York prisons enter their third week, correction officers gathered in Albany on Tuesday, demanding legislative action, including repealing the HALT Act. Hundreds rallied with Republican leaders outside the state Capitol.
State officials have started firing officers who missed 11 shifts, while thousands lost healthcare coverage on Monday for not returning to work. Despite a mediation agreement between the officers’ union and state corrections officials, over 30 facilities remain affected by the strike.
Governor Kathy Hochul warned strikers of job loss and possible arrests, emphasizing that inmate safety is at risk. Seven inmate deaths have been reported, prompting an investigation at Mid-State Correctional. Hochul deferred HALT Act changes to lawmakers while focusing on recruitment efforts.
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