New York Prison Strike Ends with Tentative Agreement, But Concerns Linger
A two-week unsanctioned strike by New York correctional officers has come to a close following a mediated agreement between the state’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), the union representing correctional officers. However, the deal is already facing criticism from various sides, highlighting the deep divisions and complex issues at play.
The strike, which involved approximately 15,000 correctional workers across 38 of the state’s 42 prisons, was sparked by concerns over officer safety stemming from Democrat-backed prison reforms, particularly the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act (HALT). Officers argued that the HALT Act, which restricts the use of solitary confinement and focuses on alternative rehabilitation methods, has led to a surge in violence and contraband within prisons, making their jobs significantly more dangerous.
Republican state Senator Daniel Stec voiced his concerns regarding the mediated deal, emphasizing that it fails to address the core grievances of the striking officers. He stated that the issues driving the strike, such as officer safety and mandated overtime, are currently the subject of pending legislation, suggesting that the agreement offers only a superficial solution.
A spokesperson for the striking workers echoed Stec’s sentiment, telling CBS that the deal "does not go far enough," hinting at the deal was not what the officers originally were striving for.
The HALT Act, enacted in 2022, has been a focal point of contention. GOP lawmakers have cited department statistics indicating a dramatic increase in inmate-on-inmate assaults (169%), inmate-on-staff assaults (76%), and contraband cases (32%) since the law’s implementation. Stec asserted that the law has created an unsafe environment for both officers and inmates, a concern he claims to have repeatedly raised with the administration prior to the law’s enactment.
A mother of a corrections officer expressed her frustration, stating that Governor Kathy Hochul appears to prioritize the rights of inmates over the safety and well-being of correctional officers. She labeled the agreement "a slap in every officer’s face."
Governor Hochul, in response to the agreement, emphasized her commitment to the safety of all New Yorkers, including correctional officers, incarcerated individuals, and local communities. She stated that she deployed every possible state resource to address the concerns raised by the officers and ensure safe operations within the correctional system.
The mediated agreement, formalized as a "Consent Award" proposed by Mediator Martin F. Scheinman, aims to address these concerns through several measures. These measures include the temporary suspension of key provisions of the HALT Act for 90 days, followed by a review by the DOCCS commissioner to determine whether the suspension should be extended. A "circuit breaker" staffing metric will also be implemented to prevent mandatory 24-hour overtime shifts by requiring facility adjustments when staffing falls below 70%.
The agreement also offers protection from disciplinary action for protesting officers who return to work by March 1, with the exception of those involved in illegal activities. Additional provisions include pay increases, referral bonuses, mental health support, and enhanced security screening to reduce the flow of contraband into prisons. The National Guard, deployed by Hochul in response to the strike, will remain on-site.
However, Stec criticized the agreement as a superficial attempt to resolve the underlying issues by "shoveling money at" the problem. He argued that while financial incentives are important, the primary motivation behind the strike was officer safety, an issue he believes the agreement inadequately addresses.
NYSCOPBA acknowledged that the Consent Agreement provides some concessions from DOCCS but noted that the HALT Act can only be repealed through legislative action. The union has urged its members to return to work and pledged to continue advocating for their concerns.
The strike began on February 17, initiated by two officers from the Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County, who protested "unsafe" working conditions. Support for the strike quickly spread across the state, leading to widespread participation despite its unsanctioned nature, which is prohibited under New York law.
Prior to the strike, the Collins Correctional Facility experienced a lockdown following an inmate uprising, further fueling concerns about safety and security within the state’s prisons.
In response to the strike, Governor Hochul threatened legal action against participating correctional officers, initiating proceedings against nearly 400 individuals and serving restraining orders to 380. Hochul stated that officers remaining on strike would be considered absent without leave (AWOL), resulting in the loss of state health benefits and legal representation provided by their union. She emphasized that the officers were in violation of the New York State Taylor Law and a temporary restraining order to return to work. She also noted that an amnesty period was offered to allow officers to return to work without facing repercussions.
The outcome of the strike and the implementation of the mediated agreement remain uncertain. The temporary suspension of parts of HALT and the proposed staffing adjustments could potentially alleviate some of the immediate safety concerns raised by the officers. However, the long-term success of the agreement hinges on addressing the underlying issues that fueled the strike, including concerns about officer safety, mandated overtime, and the overall impact of prison reform legislation.
The situation in New York’s correctional facilities remains tense, and the agreement is likely to face continued scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the state can effectively address the concerns of correctional officers and ensure a safe and secure environment for all within the prison system. With ongoing tension and the need for new legislation, the issues are far from resolved.
