Agreement reached in NY prison strike amid potential legal threats

• The New York State corrections officers’ union reached an agreement to end its strike. The strike disrupted over 25 facilities and prompted a National Guard deployment.
• Officers initiated the strike in response to safety issues and staffing shortages exacerbated by the 2021 HALT Law, which limited solitary confinement.
• The deal includes changes to overtime rules, a limit on 12-hour shifts, reinstatement of health insurance for striking officers and the creation of a committee to review staffing.

Full Story

The New York State corrections officers’ union reached a deal Saturday, March 8 to end its “wildcat” strike that caused disruption across the prison system. The officers returned to work on Monday, March 10, under the agreement.

The strike started when officers began leaving their posts at two facilities on Feb. 17. It soon expanded to more than 25 facilities in New York. The strike led Gov. Kathy Hochul to deploy the National Guard deployment in order to secure the prisons.

The proposed end to the work stoppage came as the correctional officers union vowed to file multiple lawsuits against the state. The union did not officially support the strike. However, union officials said they were concerned over the long-term implications of the strike and wanted to ensure the rights of workers were protected.

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What led to the strike?

Striking officers expressed concerns about safety and staffing levels. They blamed the problems on the 2021 HALT Law. The law includes provisions that limit the amount of time a person can be held in solitary confinement.

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision gave the officers an ultimatum in a memo on Saturday, March 8. It stated the officers had to go back to work or face discipline, termination or potentially criminal charges.

The terms of the agreement will take effect when at least 85% of the thousands of striking officers go back on duty.

What terms are included in the agreement?

The deal’s provisions include changing overtime rules, adding pay and reducing the need for 24-hour overtime shifts.

The agreement would limit shifts to 12 hours until staffing returned to pre-strike levels and reinstate and backdate health insurance for any employees who participated in the strike. It would also establish a committee with an independent specialist to review staffing procedures at each prison to improve work conditions.

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What happens next?

According to the Department of Corrections memo, National Guard troops would remain in state prisons and slowly wind down their presence as officers go back to work. Troops that remain would help keep officers from working 24-hour overtime shifts.

The deal also cancels an agreement reached in late February 2025.