New York prison guard strike continues for 5th day, mediator to step in
After a wildcat strike by New York prison guards entered its fifth day Friday, a mediator will now meet with both sides Monday to try and resolve the work stoppage at state prisons.
While many correction officers and sergeants are refusing to report for duty, others are working and also walking picket lines. They are upset with forced overtime, conditions described as "inhumane," and provisions in the state's HALT Act.
At many picket sites, including outside the Wallkill Correctional Facility in Ulster County, recent retirees are doing the talking because active correction officers and sergeants fear retribution if they speak out.
"You go to work and you don't know if you're gonna go home, and that's a true statement. The general public does not know how dangerous this job has become," said Suzanne Furman, a retired sergeant.
HALT Act blamed for increased violence against prison guards
Many are blaming violence against prison guards on the state's HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement for prisoners who are prone to violence.
Since the HALT Act took effect, assaults on prison staff increased more than 40%. Assemblyman Brian Maher says it's hindering the recruiting of new prison guards while 50 officers quit or retire every two weeks.
"They're leaving because they're forced to work 16-hour shifts, multiple days of the week. They're not seeing their families. They're going through depression," Maher said.
HALT Act supporters say the law was intended to curb abuse, such as putting incarcerated people in solitary for 23 hours a day, for minor offenses.
The prison guard strike is not authorized by the correction officers' union and is illegal under New York's Taylor Law, which imposes potential fines or other sanctions. On Thursday, Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration said officers who return to work would not face discipline and that it would suspend provisions of the HALT Act.
The state's offer to suspend parts of the HALT Act and boost overtime pay by 65% will be at the center of Monday's mediation.
In the meantime, the National Guard is assisting at prisons hit hard by the work stoppage. Visitation at state prisons has also been canceled across New York, including both personal and legal visits, amid the strike.
