Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an emergency order barring state agencies from rehiring former corrections officers who participated in a recent strike, whether they resigned or were fired. The order also revokes their Peace Officer Certification and temporarily blocks local governments from hiring them.
The decision has sparked legal debate, with some arguing it violates hiring protections. Chemung County has already filed a lawsuit, and unions may challenge the order on behalf of affected officers. Attorney Michael Macomber noted that while striking violated employment terms, no officers have been convicted under New York’s Taylor Law, which prohibits public employee strikes.
The order, which lasts 30 days but can be extended, may face further legal challenges or legislative action. Counties struggling with staffing shortages may also push back.
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].