Agreement reached to end New York prison strike, Gov. Hochul says
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says a tentative agreement has been reached to end the prison guard strike at state correctional facilities.
The governor says the agreement addresses staffing shortages and safety concerns with several key concessions, including a temporary bump in overtime pay, a potential change in pay scale and the suspension of a prison reform law known at the HALT Act that limited the use of solitary confinement.
Thursday night, Hochul released the following statement:
"My top priority is the safety of all New Yorkers, and for the past 11 days, I have deployed every possible State resource to protect the well-being of correction officers, the incarcerated population and local communities across New York. Working with a mediator, we have reached a consent award to address many of the concerns raised by correction officers, put DOCCS back on the path to safe operations, respect the rights of incarcerated individuals and prevent future unsanctioned work stoppages. I have the utmost respect and gratitude for the correction officers, civilian DOCCS employees, National Guard personnel and other staff who have done their absolute best to maintain order in our correctional facilities during this challenging period."
While the governor says the deal is binding, workers are still discussing the proposed concessions, and many are unhappy with the state's offer. A spokesperson for striking officers said it doesn't go far enough, especially when it comes to rolling back HALT reforms.
In a letter to members, the union strongly recommended officers accept the deal, warning those who do not return to work by Saturday will likely face termination.
Why are NYS correctional officers on strike?
Correctional officers and sergeants have been striking for more than a week, and mediation continued for a fourth day Thursday. Some returned to work after the state listed striking members' names in court filings to try to force an end.
"With all the threats the governor's office has made, with staff being served with their court orders, I understand why someone would not want to be out here," said Israel Sanchez, a spokesperson for the striking workers.
The strike was not authorized by the workers' union when it started on Feb. 17, and New York's Taylor Law prohibits strikes by public employees.
But the prison workers say they want to roll back the 2022 HALT Act, which reduced solitary confinement, because it caused assaults on staff to spike. They say recruitment has also taken a hit, with officers forced to work mandatory overtime.
"It's putting so many people at risk within our correctional facilities and correctional system," said Assemblyman Matt Slater.
"We'd kinda like to have a resolution at least for the security issues now, and the staffing issues we can work out later. We can negotiate it," Sanchez said.
In all, officers and sergeants have refused to report for duty at 36 of the 42 state prisons. Hochul deployed the National Guard to assist, and visitations were canceled.
"The confidential talks have been constructive, and we remain hopeful that continued dialogue will bring this situation to a close in a way that ensures the stability of the state's prisons and safety of everyone involved," a Department of Corrections and Community Supervision statement said in part earlier Thursday.
2 more inmates dead at NY state prisons
Two more New York inmates died this week, but it's unclear if prison staffing played a role in their deaths.
Anthony Douglas, 67, and Franklyn Dominguez, 35, were found dead Wednesday at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Westchester County, where workers had been picketing outside during the strike that started.
Douglas, who was convicted of second-degree murder and rape in Brooklyn, died by hanging, the Westchester County Medical Examiner said. He was incarcerated since 1985 and serving a 122-year sentence.
Dominguez was convicted of assault in Manhattan, but his cause of death requires further study, according to the medical examiner. He was incarcerated since 2022 and serving a sentence of up to six years.
These latest deaths follow the death of Jonathon Grant, who was found unresponsive in his cell last weekend at the Auburn Correctional Facility in the Finger Lakes. Grant, 61, was serving a 34-to-40-year sentence for rape and burglary. State officials had not released any information about Grant's health history and said the medical examiner would determine his cause of death.
Three people died at the Sing Sing facility in 2023, according to the state's latest records.
