A new agreement has been reached to end wildcat strikes by thousands of New York State correctional officers, which have caused chaos throughout the prison system. The agreement, negotiated by state officials and the correctional officers’ union, requires officers to return to work or face disciplinary action. The union agreed to the terms outlined in the memorandum, with enforcement taking effect when 85 percent of staff return to work. Disputes will be resolved by an arbitrator. The state also agreed to a 90-day pause on some provisions in the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act in response to officers’ concerns over violent individuals not being properly separated. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision reserved the right to punish officers who went on strike.
The labor unrest began on Feb. 17 when officers at two state prisons declared unauthorized strikes. Despite a judge ordering an end to the work stoppage, more strikes occurred, with officers from nearly all of the 42 state prisons participating. Governor Kathy Hochul deployed about 7,000 National Guard troops to staff the facilities during this time. Tragically, 22-year-old prisoner Messiah Nantwi died at Mid-State Correctional Facility on March 1, leading to the suspension of 15 corrections department employees. Reports indicate that Mr. Nantwi may have been beaten by prison guards. Additionally, at least eight other prisoners have died since the strikes began, including two men at Auburn Correctional Facility who did not receive immediate medical attention and a man who hanged himself at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Inmates have faced challenges such as lack of showers, hot food, and missed court dates.
The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association did not authorize the strikes but agreed to the terms outlined in the memorandum to end the strikes. In response to staffing shortages and dangerous working conditions, the officers have been seeking relief, which led to the illegal strikes. The correctional officers’ union was unable to be reached for comment on the agreement. The corrections department will re-evaluate the pause on HALT provisions next month and may reinstitute them based on staffing levels at individual prisons. If vacancies reach 30 percent at a facility, parts of the prison may be closed to prevent officers from being stretched too thin.
The new agreement aims to bring an end to the wildcat strikes that have disrupted the New York State prison system. Officers have faced staffing shortages, forced overtime, and dangerous conditions, prompting the illegal strikes. The state has agreed to a 90-day pause on some provisions in the HALT Act and may close parts of facilities if staffing levels drop below 30 percent. The agency will also enforce discipline on officers who participated in the strikes. The agreement requires 85 percent of staff to return to work before the terms take effect and disputes will be settled by an arbitrator. The union plays a crucial role in enforcing the return-to-work provision.
The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association have reached an agreement to end the wildcat strikes that have plagued the state prison system. The strikes began in February, with officers across nearly all of the state’s prisons participating. Governor Kathy Hochul deployed National Guard troops to maintain order during the labor unrest. Tragically, multiple prisoners have died since the strikes began, raising concerns about the treatment and conditions within the prison facilities. The death of 22-year-old prisoner Messiah Nantwi prompted investigations and suspensions of corrections department employees.
