Prison Visits Halted in NY Due to Strikes; National Guard Called In
The Guardsmen will maintain safety within the facilities by performing duties such as meal distribution and medication administration.
NEW YORK—All visitation to New York state prisons has been suspended, and over 3,500 National Guardsmen have been called in to replace correction officers currently striking.
As of February 17, the number of prisons affected by strikes has increased from two to around 30 of the 42 state prisons, according to officials from the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association Inc. (NYSCOPBA).
On February 19, more than 3,500 Guardsmen were deployed as a preliminary team to assess the requirements within the facilities, with more expected to follow shortly.
“To expedite the resolution of this illegal work stoppage, I have appointed respected independent mediator Martin Scheinman to commence efforts immediately towards bringing striking correction officers back to their posts,” Hochul stated. “I am optimistic that we will resolve this illegal strike.”
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The strikers are calling for increased wages, enhanced security checks for prison visitors, and the reversal of certain prison reforms, particularly the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) Act.
Representative Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) stated that the strikes stem from years of inadequate policies.
According to Tenney, Hochul and prison officials “recently advised prison superintendents to regard just 70 percent of staffing capacity as ‘full staffing.’ … This situation is nearing a crisis point, and deploying the National Guard could exacerbate the risks.”
Numerous strikers braved sub-freezing temperatures, waving signs with slogans such as: “NO 70%-30%, Safety first,” “Stop 24+ Hour Mandates!” and “Treacherous Staff Shortages.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
