State Officials Push to End Prison Strike with Firing Threats and Benefits Loss, While Efforts to Boost Staff Continue
New York state officials have escalated measures against striking corrections officers, including firings and threats to cut health benefits, in an effort to get workers back to their posts. Over the weekend, approximately 10 corrections officers were terminated, and those remaining on strike could lose health insurance and pension benefits.
On Monday, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello III, alongside state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray, addressed the media regarding the ongoing situation. They confirmed that although some officers had returned after a mediated deal was announced last week, a large portion of corrections officers (COs) continued their strike action.
The officers are protesting a variety of issues, including concerns over safety, rehabilitative programming, and pay. A key demand is for modifications to the HALT Act, which limits solitary confinement and mandates certain programming for incarcerated individuals. The agreement reached last week provided some concessions but did not satisfy all the officers’ demands, resulting in continued protests.
Bray reported that about 10 officers were terminated after missing 11 consecutive shifts, marking the first phase of the state’s penalty strategy. She also warned that other striking officers who fail to return to work may lose their health insurance, retroactive to their first missed shift, and could forfeit their state pensions.
Despite the ongoing strike, hundreds of COs remain at their posts, and state officials have deployed over 6,000 National Guard troops to manage prison operations. The National Guard has been stationed at 41 out of 42 state facilities, with their role expanding as more corrections officers resume their duties. However, the state has not disclosed how long the National Guard will remain in place.
Martuscello noted that National Guard personnel have rapidly adapted to the role of corrections officers, and while prisons are still on lockdown, essential services like meals and visitation are being limited. The long-term goal is to recruit more COs, and the agreement includes financial incentives such as increased overtime pay and a $3,000 referral bonus for employees who recruit new staff.
With the state already facing a staffing shortfall of 30%, the situation remains fluid, and authorities are hopeful that a combination of penalties and recruitment efforts will help restore normalcy to the prison system.