Illegal Prison Strikes in New York Prompt Hochul to Mobilize National Guard

Governor Kathy Hochul condemns unsanctioned correction officer strikes and prepares to deploy National Guard as prison operations falter.

Hundreds of New York correction officers launched wildcat strikes across 25 state prisons, protesting unsafe working conditions and mandatory overtime.
Governor Hochul has labeled the strikes illegal under the state's Taylor Law, which prohibits public employee strikes, and threatened disciplinary action against participants.
The National Guard is set to be deployed to maintain prison security if the strikes continue, with guardsmen potentially taking over key roles such as monitoring inmates and providing meals.
Striking officers demand changes including visitor and mail scanning, a $5,000 hiring bonus, limits on overtime hours, and repeal of the HALT Act, which restricts solitary confinement use.
The strikes occur amidst broader tensions over staffing shortages, safety concerns, and the recent fatal beating of an inmate, which has drawn criticism of correction officers statewide.