20-02-2025
Officer strikes continue at Clinton Correctional Facility
DANNEMORA, NY – At Clinton Correctional Facility, smoke from fires was filling the air as protesters tried to keep warm.
It was the second day of protests at the prison, after correctional officers continued striking across two dozen prisons in New York.
Wednesday afternoon Governor Kathy Hochul released a minute and a half long video statement saying that she would, 'not allow this chaos to continue.' The message was later followed by a written statement that she had signed an executive order activating the National Guard.
The crowd of correctional workers, their families, and retirees say they want increased staffing, reduced mandatory overtime, improved safety and the abolishment of the HALT act, which reduces the acts of solitary confinement.
'They are here because they believe they are going to walk out of their doors and not be able to return home to their families,' said Joe Pinion, a former television host and surrogate for the New York State Republican Party.
Pinion, speaking at length on the issues facing correctional officers, cited one incident that sent dozens of staff members to the hospital due to an unnamed 'substance exposure.' He says it was mishandled due to the HALT Act.
HALT was a point of focus for many of today's protesters who claim they fear attacks from prisoners without accountability from the state.
'When you're scared to walk through that gate to do your job, because you don't know if you're going to come home at night to see your family, it's time for a change. This is the time,' said Carlton Rabideau, who retired from corrections in July.
Rabideau, who also protested on Tuesday, says when the national guard comes, he won't stop them, but he says he believes they have been put in a difficult position.
Retiree Mark Plumadore, who made his first appearance today, says he wants to fight for those still putting their life on the line.
'These guys aren't here for wages; they're here fighting for their livelihoods. It's a dangerous situation behind these walls,' he said.
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