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New York Fires Over 2,000 Corrections Officers After Illegal Strike Ends

The strike, which lasted 22 days, was driven by unsafe working conditions and prompted the deployment of the National Guard to state prisons.

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New York correctional officers and sergeants continue their strike for a second week outside of the Coxsackie Correctional Facility on Feb. 28, 2025.

Overview

  • Governor Kathy Hochul's administration terminated more than 2,000 corrections officers who failed to return to work after a wildcat strike deemed illegal under state law.
  • The strike, which began on February 17, disrupted operations at 38 of the state’s 42 prisons, leading to lockdowns and National Guard deployments to maintain security.
  • The strike stemmed from complaints about unsafe working conditions, including excessive overtime and increased violence linked to the HALT Act, which limits solitary confinement practices.
  • A deal to end the strike required 85% of officers to return to work by Monday morning, but only about 75% complied; the state is honoring some provisions of the agreement, including a review of the HALT Act's impact.
  • The strike coincided with investigations into inmate deaths, including two involving alleged excessive force by corrections officers, further heightening scrutiny of the prison system.