Corrections officers strike for second day: Demanding for safer conditions in prisons
AUBURN, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — For the second consecutive day, correction officers across the state, including those at Auburn Correctional Facility, protested for safer working conditions and safety measures.
Over a hundred strikers stood across the street from Auburn's prison since 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, holding signs and chanting for change after reaching a breaking point after years of staff shortages and increased violence inside of state prisons.
Judge grants order to stop correction officers strike
Across New York state, there are approximately 30 correctional facilities where its officers and sergeants participated in either protesting their current work conditions inside of these prisons or simply refusing to enter the prisons for their scheduled shifts.
In response to the protests, Governor Kathy Hochul has activated National Guard troops and is on standby to provide security that is missing from correctional employees who are out on strike.
On Wednesday, strikers could see National Guard troopers entering Auburn Correctional Facility.
One of the strikers outside of the Auburn prison, who wanted to remain anonymous, emphasized that this strike isn't about their wages; it's about their safety.
All they wish is to go to work and perform their duties because, like most, they're mothers, fathers, and baseball coaches who have families and lives to attend to outside of the prison walls.
'The stats don't lie; for years, we've been sending stats. Assaults on staff are through the roof, and inmate-on-inmate assaults are through the roof. We are showing them that this prison system is not safe anymore, and it's fallen on deaf ears,' the anonymous striker said.
These corrections officers are frustrated by the HALT Solitary Confinement Act enacted in March 2022, which they believe has caused many issues they face daily. This law limits the use of solitary confinement for any incarcerated individual over the age of 55, under the age of 21, and anyone who has a disability or is pregnant.
'Every day, getting assaulted, and there are no repercussions anymore. If I write a ticket on an inmate who is violating the rules of New York State prison, guess what you gotta send them right back out to the CHOW program, so basically, where's the line,' the striker said.
Negotiations have continued throughout the day between the state's correctional officers association and the governor's office toward a resolution.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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