CORRECTION: In the original version of this story, News10NBC attributed the plans to fine officers to NYSAG Letitia James. That decision was actually made by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), legally represented by AG James.

ALBANY, N.Y. — The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) says it plans to fine corrections officers who didn’t return to work on Monday after three weeks of unsanctioned strikes.

The state fired 2,000 corrections officers to end the strikes at dozens of prisons. The guards had until their regularly scheduled shifts on Monday to return and accept the deal on working conditions that their union negotiated with DOCCS.

State leaders said during a court proceeding in Buffalo that the fines will help to recover some of the estimated $3 million that the strikes cost them. However, AG James is no longer seeking to bring charges against any guards for taking part in the strikes. Earlier, state leaders said they would use criminal and civil action to try to end the strikes.

Many people gathered at the courthouse on Tuesday in support of the fired guards. As News10NBC has reported, Gov. Kathy Hochul has banned corrections officers who were fired from being rehired in other state service jobs. She is also recommending barring them from being hired as police officers in local and state jurisdictions by removing them from the Central Registry of Police and Peace Officers.

Some state lawmakers are saying that’s an abuse of power, with State Senator George Borello calling the governor’s response vindictive and authoritarian.

Over 10,000 corrections officers who were on strike decided to return to their posts before the deadline. Under the fourth and final deal that the union negotiated, they won’t face discipline and will have their health insurance restored. Guards went on strike to demand higher staffing levels, no mandated overtime over 16 hours, and increased measures to keep them safe. 

RELATED:

• Prison guard strike has ended; Over 2,000 guards who remained on strike have been fired (March 10)
• Striking prison guards at Groveland say latest deal is still ‘no good’ (March 10)
• Corrections officer with FMLA has health insurance canceled amid strike, leaving wife without chemo treatment (March 6)
• Striking Attica prison guards return to work amid ongoing protests, retired CO warns of ‘rude awakening’ for state (March 6)
• Photos show National Guard sleeping on cots, mats in NY prisons amid corrections officer strike (March 3)
• Health insurance ending for corrections officers still on strike; National Guard still deployed (March 3)
• Prison guards at Groveland Correctional Facility face threats of job loss, penalties as they strike for better conditions (March 3)
• Tentative agreement reached between union and state leaders, aiming to end prison staff strikes (Feb. 28)
• Inmate describes ‘kid proportions’ meals and lack of programs amid ongoing prison strike (Feb. 25)