Latest on prison strikes: State’s deadline for returning to work without consequences has passed

NEW YORK STATE — News10NBC is working to learn how many prison employees, if any, returned to their jobs on Friday after New York State leaders gave them an 11:59 p.m. Thursday deadline to return.

Prison staff are holding unsanctioned strikes outside several state prisons over working conditions. The state said they could face disciplinary actions for abandoning their posts if they didn’t return before the deadline.

Staff say they’re demanding an end to mandatory overtime, better staffing, and safer working conditions. You can watch our report from Groveland Correctional Facility in Livingston County here. Here are some other updates:

Independent mediator assigned to help resolve strikes

An independent mediator has been assigned to help resolve the prison guard strikes across New York State. The mediation sessions will occur for three days and are scheduled from Feb. 25 through 27.

Suspension of HALT Act

A memo from the State Corrections Department Commissioner states that it has suspended certain parts of the HALT Solitary Confinement Act. Striking prison staff have spoken out against the HALT Act.

The HALT Act limits solitary confinement to 15 consecutive days. It bans solitary for pregnant people, those with disabilities, and anyone older than 55 or younger than 21. It also mandates alternative therapeutic and rehabilitative confinement options.

Guards argue the HALT Act has been problematic. They cite a rise in prison assaults since the law’s implementation in 2022. That year, there were over 1,400 assaults on staff, which increased to 2,070 by 2024.

National Guard deployed

In response to the strikes, Governor Kathy Hochul has deployed the National Guard to staff the prisons in the absence of the correctional officers. At least 3,500 have been deployed.

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